Rita-Ann Comfort

Rita-Ann Roessel Comfort, 88, passed away comfortably on July 9, 2018, slipping peacefully into the next life. She was born in Elmira Heights, New York, on June 27, 1930 as the only child to John Alan Roessel and Anna Frances Smitka.

She married Earle H. Comfort on August 15, 1959 and is survived by five children: Earle H. Comfort, Jr. (Mary), Annette M. Reese (Larry), Elizabeth A. Reed (Robert), John R. Comfort (Carey), and Angela R. Taylor (Bill). She is also survived by four grandchildren (Keith Comfort, Christina Reed, Rachel Reed, Klarissa Taylor) and six great-grandchildren (Kaelin Comfort, Hudson Comfort, Ariah Smith, Dainer Broden Smith, Ivangeline Smith, Madeline Smith).

A graduate of Elmira College, she was a teacher in the Elmira school system and also worked as a medical technologist (phlebotomy) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira. Later in life she earned a master degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and worked as a counselor. Rita-Ann had a number of hobbies and interests that she was passionate about during her lifetime, including art (painting and ceramics), and breeding Chihuahua dogs and a variety of exotic bird species.

Per her request, she was cremated and buried with her beloved parents in St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery in Elmira, NY.

Per her request, she was cremated and buried with her beloved parents in St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery in Elmira, NY.