Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Lois Delander Tyree Rinehart went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 30, 2023, in Philadelphia, PA.

Lois was born on June 10, 1928, in Winding Gulf, WV to James Frank and Ruth Tyree.

Lois, on July 7, 1946, Lois married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Rinehart. Together they built the Rinehart Garbage Company and raised five children. This union lasted almost 54 years until he died in 2000.

Lois graduated Salutatorian from Stratton High School, Beckley, WV. She later attended the Raleigh County Vocational School to obtain her License Practical Nursing degree. Lois graduated as the first African American at the top of her nursing class and the first to work at Raleigh General Hospital and several local doctors’ offices Her career lasted more than 40 years

Lois was loving and warm-hearted towards all. She loved playing the piano and listening to gospel and classical music. She was the pianist at First Baptist Church in Harper Heights for many years and was always ready to challenge any social injustices. She was an active member of various social clubs, whose missions were instrumental in assisting the community. Lois loved learning and would frequently read the latest treatment in medical books at home and sharpen her nursing knowledge in order to help others. Her favorite past time was eating peppermint candy and Hershey bars, while doing word puzzles, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken, and going for daily car rides.

Lois welcomed everyone into her home, and many teens revered her as their second mother. Lois always showed unconditional love and respect towards her children and to others as well. She always instilled in all her children that they could be anything they set their minds to be through hard work, and to always respect others and give God praise.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, James Frank and Ruth Tyree; husband, Robert Rinehart; son, Robert E. Rinehart, and sister, Jewell Alexander.

Lois leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children and family, David (Phyllis) Rinehart of Beckley, WV, Deborah (Miles) Tyler of Houston, TX, Christi (James) Sanders of Philadelphia, PA; Richard ( Lisa) Rinehart of Beckley, WV, Olenthia Rinehart of New Albany, OH; grandchildren, Robert (Sarah) Henry of Manhattan, NY, Nicole Walthall of Columbus, OH, Matthew Rhinehart of Beckley, WV, Raushanah (Sheldon) Clarke of New Albany, OH, Ayeisha Josey of New Albany, OH, Rajael Tyler of Columbus OH, Jesika Rizzi of Frederick, MD, Rachael (Jason) Davis of Atlanta GA, Shayla (Wesley) Payne of Jacksonville, NC, Khalid Rinehart of Columbus, OH, Chase Rinehart of Beckley, WV, and Alyssia Rinehart of Beckley, WV; twenty-one great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret (Kenneth) Booker of Charleston, WV and Marjorie Dillard, Houston, TX and many devoted nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.

Lois, this great woman of God, beloved wife, mother and sister, friend, and mother to many, will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Friday, February 10, 2023 at St. Paul Baptist Temple 129 Rice St. Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family thirty minutes prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.