Elizabeth H. “Besh” Rismiller, 82 – Focused on Family Traditions

Elizabeth H. “Besh” Rismiller, R.N., age 82, of Pottsville, passed away on Sept. 3 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Mahanoy City, and she was the daughter of the late George and Selena Eichman Hume.

Besh graduated from Mahanoy City High School and played intramural girls’ basketball during her high school years. After graduation, she continued her education at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. While a nursing student, she played basketball at the Palestra and led her team to several championships. She earned many trophies as league top-scorer and player of the year. After graduating and earning her R.N., she was employed as a nursing supervisor on the obstetrics and gynecology floor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Besh and her husband, Ross Rismiller, met in first grade at the Pine Street Elementary School in Mahanoy City. They began dating ten years later in 1954 and never dated anyone else. Besh and Ross recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. They were devoted to each other.

Besh enjoyed travelling. She cruised to many ports in Europe, the Caribbean and Central America. Her favorite place was Boca Raton, Florida. She and Ross were snowbirds and enjoyed 16 years of retirement in South Florida.

Besh took the most pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Besh’s focus was always her family and family traditions. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining and welcoming all to her home.

Besh was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served many years on Church council and on many church committees. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross at disaster locations, including the Tower City Mine Disaster.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Ross, and her children, Attorney Karen Rismiller Shuman and Eric Rismiller, married to Kim, all of Pottsville. She is survived by grandsons, Derek and Kyle Shuman and granddaughters, Morgan and Julia Rismiller. She is also survived by a sister, Selena Berdosh, married to Joseph, of Phoenixville, PA; two brothers-in-law, Bruce Rismiller of Lakeland, Florida, and Gary Rismiller, married to Doris, of Reading, PA; sister-in-law Nancy Wroblewski, married to John, of Wernersville, PA; together with an aunt, Eleanor Eichman; cousins, nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

The family is appreciative of the loving care and support Compassus Hospice provided to Besh and her family.

Services will be held Thursday at 11AM from Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 6-8PM Wednesday and from 9:30-10:30AM Thursday at James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in Besh’s memory be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 300 W Arch St. Pottsville, PA 17901 or the Hillside S.P.C.A. PO Box 233Pottsville. PA 17901. Interment will be at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.

Please share your memories and condolences with Besh’s family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com