Rita Louise (Beichner) Kiehl

     Rita Louise Kiehl, age 80 of Kossuth, went home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 8, 2025, while surrounded by her loved ones.

     Born December 27, 1944 in Shippenville, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Hattie Baughman Beichner.

     Rita was best known for her infectious laugh, devout faith, and abundant love for her family.

     In her spare time, she found joy in playing bingo, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with her family and longtime friend, Kay Milford.  She loved her fur child, Baby, who was often found sitting on Rita’s lap.

     Rita was a lifelong member of the Clarion County community and worked for many years in the bakery at both Giant Eagle and Shop ‘n Save, respectively.

     She attended the New Life Community Chapel in Cranberry and found comfort in the community she found there.

     Above all else, Rita’s quirky sense of humor and optimistic nature are what will live on in all who had the privilege to know and love her.

     She married Raymond W. Cope Sr and he preceded her in death in 1977.  She later married Richard Kiehl on December 31, 2000, and he survives.

     Survivors include her husband; her children, Raymond (Debbie) Cope, Jr. of Oil City and Rebecca (Kirk) Hodges of Venus; grandchildren: Channel (Christopher) Greenburg, Raymond (Kassia) Cope III, Alisha Hodges, Erika Hodges, Zachary Hodges (Amber Domres), Nichole (Joshua) Anthony, Karina Webber, Jacob Webber (Kenzi Vanderhoof) and Morgan (Trevor) Whitman; 18 great grandchildren that she dearly loved; two step children: Sherry (Dick) Massini of Mars and Rick Kiehl of DuBois, and three step grandchildren: Derek (Ashley) Andrekovich, Brooke (Tyler) Andrekovich-Galate and Brittany Andrekovich.

     Rita is also survived by brothers: Allen (Delores) Beichner and Richard Beichner, both of Shippenville; sister, Judith McCleary of Knox; sister-in-law-Virginia “Ginny” Beichner of Shippenville and numerous nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, 1st husband Raymond Cope, Sr.; son, Russell Cope; a daughter, Rhonda Webber and her husband, Andrew; brothers; Leonard Beichner and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Beichner and his wife Esther, and James Beichner; sisters Geraldine Deemer and her husband Fred, Esther Matthews and her husband William “Buck”, Margaret Fair and her husband Joseph and Elva Kiehl and her husband Tom.

     Rita was also preceded in death by brother-in-law, Terry McCleary and a sister-in-law, Meda Beichner.

     Per Rita’s request, there will be no services.

     A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date.

     Online condolences may be sent to Rita’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

     Arrangements are under the direction of the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc. of Knox.

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