Rita M. Davis-Geist

Rita M. Davis-Geist, 78, died June 25, 2023 at Windber Hospital.  Born June 27, 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late Harry T. Davis and Mary (Harris) Davis.  Also preceded in death by her brother, William H. Davis (10/11/2016), She is survived by her husband of 34 years, David A. Geist; brother Curtis (Mary Lou) Davis, Johnstown; and John T. (Jane) Davis, Salt Lake City, Utah.  Rita is also survived by her nephew Theo G. (Patrice) Davis, nieces Jordan Davis (Alex) Maxwell and Rhyan L. Davis, all of Utah; plus a great-nephew Cohen Maxwell, and great-nieces, Hailey Maxwell, and Robin and Adriene Davis.  Rita was an honor graduate in the 1962 class of Johnstown High School; then graduated from Indiana University of PA with a B.S. in Education (1966) and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1972.  She spent the next 31 years doing what she loved—teaching 4th, 5th and 6th graders in the Johnstown School District, striving to make her classroom a creative and compassionate learning environment.  During her career, she also served as a long-term faculty representative for G.J.E.A. union meetings, served on a number of professional development and curriculum committees.  She also served on the Johnstown School Employees Federal Credit Union Board for a number of years.  Finally, she often acted as a sponsor/chaperone for different student activities.  In the mid-70’s, Rita was invited to join Delta Kappa Gamma, a Women Educators’ Honorary Society.  Remaining an active member for 10 years, she enjoyed the friendship of a wonderful group of women.  In 1992, 1994, and 1996, Rita was included in the publication, “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”, having been nominated by former students, who had gone into the fields of nursing, teaching, and engineering.  Living at home before marrying, Rita lovingly cared for her parents, who had both suffered traumatic injuries in separate accidents---father in an explosion at U.S.Steel in 1968 and her mother seriously injured by a drunk driver in 1966.  In retirement, Rita and her husband David, found themselves still active in teacher-related issues at the district and state levels, as life members of P.S.E.A., N.E.A., and P.A.S.R.  Beyond the professional activities, Rita and David spent time helping family members and friends, while also remodeling several properties and rescuing 6 cats, who became their “children”, after their beloved dogs, Penny (15) and Mitzi (18) had passed.  There were a number of trips to Florida, which included all the pets, lots of wonderful meals with friends, and leisure activities that included Dave’s band concerts, reading, tennis, swimming, photography, sewing and cross-country skiing.  Rita grew up in the west end neighborhood of Morrellville, an active member of Calvary Methodist Church and later on, Garfield St. Methodist Church, both serving her well during difficult times.  She had a strong and abiding faith in God that led her to “Live and Let Live” and strive to “Do No Harm”.  At Rita’s request there will be no public viewing.  A private memorial service will be held at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary at the family’s convenience.  Rev.  will officiate.  Interment at Grandview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the A.S.P.C.A. or any charity of choice. 

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