RitaAnn Muthard, 75, of Walnutport, died on Oct. 19, 2017, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg, Bethlehem, after a courageous 20-plus year battle with cancer.

She was the companion of Amos P. “Lefty” Kleckner and the wife of the late Robert A. Muthard and Patrick J. Philbin.

Born Sept. 2, 1942, in West Catasauqua, she was the daughter of the late Robert M. Sr. and Rita A. (Rodgers) Frantz.

She was a waitress at the Neffs and Kempton hotels before retiring in 2000.

Before that, she owned and operated the former Lion’s Head Inn, Orefield, the former Top of the Fifties, Walnutport, the Egyptian Sands Motel and Lounge, Egypt, and the former Bob’s Café, Catasauqua.

She was a member of Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, where she formerly served as a greeter and communion assistant.

Her survivors include children Darryl S. Philbin of Walnutport, Dana D. (Philbin) Borger of Walnutport, DaleAnn (Muthard) Hess of Albrightsville, Dean A. Muthard of Northampton; siblings Danielle B. Kicska of Whitehall, Roberta M. Gyecsek (Eugene) of Whitehall, Cynthia L. Altemus (David) of Bethlehem, Robert M. Frantz Jr. (Ellen) of Whitehall, Vincent F. Frantz of Lehighton, William W. Frantz (Joanne) of Bethlehem; grandchildren Kenneth, Nicole, Amanda, Danielle, Ryan, Tyler, Sammy-Jo and Kaitlyn; great-grandchildren Cassidy, Sage, Bryce, Kiersten, Olivia, Cade (Jake), Owen, Skylar, Riley, Lauren, Chayse, Bella, and Emma; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Jess, Helen, Joanie, Susie, Dorothy and so many more.

She was predeceased by a daughter Denise M. (Philbin) Rice and great-grandchildren Tyson, Kristopher and Colton.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church memorial fund c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.