Rita Bales

Rita A. (Meitzler) Bales, 78, of District Township, PA, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA. Born in her family home in Bechtelsville, PA Rita was a daughter of the late Isadore and Katie (Derr) Meitzler, and attended school in the Upper Perkiomen School District.

Rita was the wife of Carl R. Bales, whom she married on June 13, 1964. She worked alongside her husband Carl in their family business, Carl Bales Excavating, for many years. Rita was a dedicated member of the company and served as the co-owner and operator. She also raised their family of six, managed all office work in the company, and worked part-time at Caloric Corporation in Topton.

Rita was a devout Christian and was a member and faithful attendee of GT Church, Fleetwood and Praise Christian Fellowship, Blandon. She enjoyed sewing and jig-saw puzzles. Above all, her deepest love was her family, especially her grandchildren. Rita lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding spirit that touched the lives of everyone she met. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and in the stories that will be shared in her memory.

Along with her husband of nearly 61 years, Carl, Rita is survived by her four children, Charlene A. (Bales), wife of Terry Miller, Fleetwood, Tina L. (Bales), wife of Robert Hipp, Mertztown, Carl R. Bales, Jr., husband of Jennifer (Heller), Alburtis, and Denise G. (Bales), wife of Kyle Frisch, Mertztown; eight grandchildren, Chelsey Burnett, Noah Hipp, Tyler Miller, Joseph Bales, Corben Bales, Abigail Bales, Connor Frisch and Shelby Frisch; and three great-grandchildren, Emily and Wesley Burnett and Ronan Bales. Rita is also survived by her two sisters, Annie (Meitzler) Delikat and Rachel (Meitzler) Woodhead; and five brothers, Paul Meitzler, James Meitzler, David Meitzler, Larry Meitzler and Franklin Meitzler and their families.

A celebration of life memorial service for Rita will be held on Sunday, July 20th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Rockland Rod and Gun Club, 77 Fredericksville Rd, Mertztown, PA 19539. The family requests guests come in casual attire and may begin arriving at 1:00 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Rita's memory to GT Church, 1110 Snyder Road, West Lawn, PA 19609 or Praise Christian Fellowship, 323 June Avenue, Blandon, PA 19510.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 25 E. Weis Street, Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.