Rita Paulette

Hardy

Rita Paulette Hardy, 78, of LaVale, MD passed away into the arms of Jesus on November 10, 2026 at Mountain City Rehab Center, after a brave and strong battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

She was born on June 25, 1948 in Cumberland to the late Paul and Norma (Shears) Nycum. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley "Sissy" D'atri, and a cousin who was like a sister, Shelby Lough, and her first husband, Lester Wilson.

Rita graduated from Fort Hill High School with the class of 1966. Afterwards she attended the Tri-State Beauty School and became a beautician. She started working with Juanita Helmick, then onto Athey's, and finally with Glenda's Styling Salon, where she worked beside her beloved friend, Glenda Boor, for over 25 years. Once Glenda retired, her and her husband continued her business by turning their garage into a salon. There she spent another 25 years making her patrons beautiful, filling them with laughter and friendship that lasted generations. She cherished holidays with dear friends and family, where she was always the ultimate hostess. She was a Christian who loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved music, singing hymns, and being the life of every occasion. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her, but comfort is found in the words of John 11:25-26 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'"

Surviving is her husband of 31 years, Lynn A. Hardy; her daughter, Amy Lynn Tester, and husband James; three grandchildren, Sidney Carroll and wife Gabby, Killian Carroll and wife Sierra, and Katney Kavanaugh and partner Brash Skelley; four great-grandchildren, Cyrus Kane, Atlas Stone, Georgia Grace, and Arcadia Angel Carroll; a niece, Tammy Gordon and husband Roger; beloved friend, Glenda and her son Wes Boor; as well as extended family and many friends.

Special thanks to her long-time pastor and friend, Bruce McBride, for being there throughout this difficult time; and the compassionate care she received from the staff of Mountain City Rehab Center.

Friends and family will be received for viewing Tuesday, November 17th from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, MD. A funeral service will begin at 6:00pm with Pastor Bruce McBride officiating.

The family requests those who would like to make memorial donations to direct them to the Alzheimer's Association in Rita Paulette Hardy's name, at donorservices.alz.org.

Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. is entrusted with arrangements.