Reita M (Moon) Hardwick

Reita M. Hardwick (94) of Parker City passed away in the early morning hours of August 28, 2022 at Parker Health Care.  She was born April 1, 1928 to the late Herman and Doris (Wagner) Moon in Winchester, Indiana. 

Reita grew up and lived most of her life in Randolph County.  She graduated from Farmland High School in 1946. She married Paul “PJ” Hardwick on January 1, 1948 and celebrated 51 years of marriage prior to his death. 

Reita was primarily a homemaker, working outside the home for a few years at Parker Health Care providing aid to the Nursing staff.  She was often found following her shift sitting with patients who had no family available so they would not be alone.  She volunteered at the Ridgeville Library during the time she lived there with her husband.  She was an avid reader and continued reading during her stay at Parker Health Care.  

Reita played the piano and accompanied many church groups in her younger years, including children’s choir.  She also served as the organist for Eastern Star both in Parker City and Farmland.  She was a 75 year member of that organization, serving in nearly every office through the years, and remaining active until declining health kept her from participating.  She also helped mold many young women’s lives as she served as a Guardian of Job’s Daughters. 

Reita loved birds, especially her little “hummers”.  She usually had a garden of both vegetables and flowers and would can and freeze each year.  She made time to bake bread and cookies, play games, fix a dress, or just serve a delicious meal of chicken and noodles for her children and grandchildren or anyone else who showed up at her door. Reita was a prayer warrior and often mailed cards to others letting them know of her love and prayers.

Reita is survived by two daughters, Carol Mattox and Susan (Tim) Morris, five grandchildren, Thoma (Stacy) Mattox II, Lesley (Adrian) Moulton, Michael (Carissa) Morris, Matthew (Samantha) Morris, and Amanda (Derrick) Goad.  She also leaves 12 great grandchildren, Connor and Brennon Mattox, Riley and Ruthie Moulton, Charlee, Mila, Hudson, Carter, Parker, and Grace Morris, and Bristol and Jillian Goad.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Karen Hardwick, two brothers and a sister.  A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Wilson-Shook Funeral Home in Parker City, Indiana.  Friends may gather to share and remember from 11:00 -12:00 prior to the celebration.  Burial will be at Hopewell Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Parker City United Methodist Church or Yorktown Public Library.

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