Carole L. Rish, aged 86, of Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at the Allied Services Hospice Center after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Her family remembers her as a dedicated educator and an inspiring individual who touched the lives of many students throughout her career.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 23, 1939, Carole was the daughter of the late Anna (Brindle) Ziegler and Pastor Phillip Ziegler. She grew up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her passion for physical education and the arts began to flourish. Carole attended East Stroudsburg University, earning a degree in teaching and showcasing her exceptional talent as a gymnast on the university’s traveling gymnastics team.
Her enthusiasm for dance and gymnastics influenced her decision to pursue a career in physical education. Carole quickly became a beloved teacher, sharing her love of movement with students across various school districts. Eventually, she settled into the Greater Nanticoke Area School District, where she enjoyed a lengthy and fulfilling career as an elementary physical education teacher.
Impact on Students and Community
Carole’s vibrant personality made a lasting impression on her students. She introduced them to line dancing and square dancing, often incorporating a diverse range of music into her lessons, with Neil Diamond being one of her favorites. Her positive impact was evident even in her final days when a nurse, who was once one of her students, expressed the profound effect she had on their life.
Throughout her career, Carole also coached gymnastics and cheerleading, further enriching the school community with her expertise and enthusiasm. Many former students fondly recall her engaging teaching style and the joy she brought to their learning experiences.
Before her diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease, Carole led an active and adventurous life, filled with laughter and memorable experiences. In her younger years, she spent summers working in Ocean City, New Jersey, creating cherished memories that lasted a lifetime.
Legacy and Memorial Services
Carole is preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, and her son David W. Moyer. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Moyer (and fiancé Anthony Novitski) and Kimberly (Moyer) Czapracki (and spouse Kenny), along with her brothers Jack Ziegler (and spouse Darlene) and David Ziegler. Carole also leaves behind many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Described as fun-loving and full of joy, Carole Rish will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family invites those who wish to honor her memory to make donations to the Nanticoke Christian Fellowship Church in lieu of flowers.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 13:00 to 15:00 at the Dinelli Family Funeral Home, located at 170 East Broad St., Nanticoke. A memorial service will follow, officiated by Pastor David Pegarella of the Nanticoke Christian Fellowship. The family will also announce a celebration of life gathering at a later date, inviting all who wish to attend.
For those wishing to leave condolences or express sympathy, please visit the funeral home’s website: www.dinellifuneralhome.com.