Helen Jean (Rutt) Koser, beloved teacher and devoted community servant, went to her eternal place of rest on May 31, 2025. She was born in Lancaster, Penna., on March 4, 1945, and touched many lives in her 80 years. Helen holds degrees from Donegal High School, West Chester University and Temple University. She lived in Paxtang from 1971 until 2022, when she moved into independent living at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, before moving into a memory care unit.
Helen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Colin L. Koser, daughters Dori Pitzner (Alex Pitzner) and Jill Dollman (Eric Dollman), granddaughter Dylan Dollman and grandsons Gregory Pitzner, Timothy Pitzner and Dashiell Dollman. She is also survived by three siblings—Marion Kreider, Kathryn Lois Shinn and Gerald “Jere” Rutt (Ellen Rutt)—as well as two sisters-in-law, four nieces, six nephews and their extended families.
Mrs. Koser taught fifth grade at Rutherford Elementary School from 1971 until 1999, where she made lifelong friends and made sure her students knew all 50 states and capitals. During this time, she also taught aerobics for Nancy Watson’s Aerobics with Rhythm; did bookkeeping for the family business, The Tackle Shop in Penbrook; and sang in the church choir. Helen and Colin cherished their time in the singing group The Carolers, performing around the holidays in Hershey and Colonial Williamsburg and once, memorably, at the White House.
After retiring from teaching, she and a dear friend drove from Harrisburg to Anchorage, Alaska, to complete her goal of visiting all 50 United States. Among her favorite places were Duck, N.C., Maui, Ocean City, Md., and Badlands National Park.
Soon after her teaching career ended, Helen was elected Tax Collector in Paxtang, serving the Borough for 12 years. An avid golfer and league bowler, Helen made wonderful friends through these sports and enjoyed watching her children and grandkids pursue their passions as well. She will be missed immeasurably.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 29th at 12:30pm at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Harrisburg, Penna.), followed by a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the church or to the Employees Fund at Masonic Village.
