Lois Elaine Reiter

Lois Elaine Reiter (Etzel), 87, of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, with family by her side.

Born on May 4, 1939, on the Etzel family farm in Pine City, Pennsylvania, Lois was the daughter of the late Willis and Genevieve (Hanby) Etzel. She was one of six children and was preceded in death by her sister, Imogene Beichner, and brother, Wayne Etzel. Lois graduated from Keystone High School in 1956.

Lois met the love of her life, Walter Reiter, during their high school trip to Washington, D.C. They married in 1959 and were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Sharon. Over the years, the family lived in several places, including Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, Florida, before settling in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania, where they spent many happy years. Upon retirement, Lois and Walt returned to Ormond Beach.

Throughout her life, Lois embraced many roles and experiences, but the one she treasured most was that of devoted wife and mother. Her family was her greatest source of pride, and she considered her children and grandchildren to be her most meaningful accomplishments. Lois was an active school volunteer during her daughters’ younger years, putting her exceptional sewing and baking talents to good use. Later, she returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant. Among the organizations fortunate enough to benefit from her dedication were Allegheny College (10 years), the Crawford County Conservation District (5 years), and Grace Lutheran Church (4 years).

After the passing of her beloved husband, Walt, Lois moved to San Diego in 2012 to be closer to family.

Lois had a lifelong passion for community involvement and helping others. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also an active church quilter and a dedicated genealogist. In 1994, Lois and her sister, Imogene, began writing a family history book chronicling their father's ancestry. Their work, The Saga of the Etzels and Hanels of Clarion County, was published in 1997, preserving the stories of generations for future family members.

In later years, Lois shared her love of learning and friendship by teaching Mahjong and many other games to friends in San Diego. She was also a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan and, more recently, became an enthusiastic Penn State football supporter, rarely missing a game.

Lois leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Lisa Reiter (Andrew Church) and Sharon (Damian) DeRienzo; her grandchildren, Ryan, Megan, Patrick, and Sophia; her brother, Robert Etzel; her sisters, Janice Beichner and Elaine Sardi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A family burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, at Laurel Run Cemetery in Penfield, Pennsylvania. A memorial celebration of Lois's life will follow on Sunday, August 30, at the Allegheny Grille in Foxburg, Pennsylvania.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lois's honor to support macular degeneration research, a cause that was very close to her heart.

Memorial donations may be made to BrightFocus Foundation Macular Degeneration Research (donate.brightfocus.org). Please indicate that the contribution is a memorial gift in memory of Lois E. Reiter.