Rita Nayavich Drouse
OBITUARY
Rita Nayavich Drouse, of the Austin Heights section of Old Forge, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Dallas.
Born January 20, 1939 in Duryea, she was the eldest of three daughters to the late Anthony and Stella Wascavage Nayavich. Her husband, Joseph Chuck Drouse, preceded her in death on January 27, 2013, after 51 years of marriage.
A 1956 graduate of Old Forge High School, she was the salutatorian of her class. She worked as a bookkeeper for 46 years in several offices and retired on December 31, 2003.
A devout Catholic, she was a former parishioner of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Old Forge and member of its choir and Christian Mothers Society, until its closing. She recently was a faithful parishioner of Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish, Old Forge.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Drouse and wife Jennifer of Cape Girardeau, MO and David Drouse of Old Forge; a grandson, Brian Drouse The Love of Her Life; two sisters, Dorothy Kishel of Dupont and Elaine Merieski and husband Gerald of Old Forge; two Goddaughters, Alison Frisbie of Vestal, NY and Aubre Musloskie of Avoca; several nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews; cousins; and many friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two Goddaughters, Lisa Wren and Polyanna Bonczek.
The funeral will be Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 9:15 AM from Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services, LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Prince of Peace Parish, 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge to be celebrated by Father Walter E. Jenkins, C.S.C., Ed.D., Pastor. Interment, thereafter, in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Austin Heights, Old Forge.
Relatives and friends may call Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. To leave an online condolence visit the funeral home website or Facebook page.
Rita Nayavich Drouse
March 5, 2026