Rita Gaudet

Rita Claire Ball Gaudet, a longtime resident of Zelienople, passed away Sunday.

Rita was born on Nov. 25, 1952, in Murfreesboro, Tenn., the youngest daughter of the late Robert Ball and Felipa Saez Ball.

Rita spent much of her childhood traveling around the world with her family as her father served in the Air Force. She lived in the most interesting of places, including Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, France, Italy, and the Philippines. Later in life, she would delight her children with colorful stories about the distant lands that she experienced.

Rita earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After college, she dedicated many years to lovingly raising her four children.

Later, she worked as a social worker with youth at Glade Run in Zelienople. In 2000, Rita survived a major car accident, which left her paralyzed. Rita's faith in God, enjoyment of her grandchildren, grandniece and grandnephews, and kind and generous friends, family and neighbors got her through the most difficult of times.

Rita is survived by her four children, Felipa, Joseph, Andrea, and Matthew Gaudet; five grandchildren, Acacia and Alchemy Mastropaolo, Joseph Gaudet, and Connor and Lilia Bodnar; her brothers Richard “Bud” and Robert “Butch” Ball; her sister, Angelina Velasco; her niece, Michele Ball; her nephews, John and Brian Ball; her grandniece, Felipa Cash, and her grandnephew, Gavien Ball.

Rita's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her cousin, Bobbi Young, who tirelessly gave a tremendous amount of her time and energy to advocate and care for Rita. Also, they have sincere thanks to the many people who visited with Rita, helping her and her family during times of need. They have very special thanks to her longtime caretaker, Colleen, and dear friends, Sue Casker and Reid Moon. Their kindness, love, generosity, and time blessed Rita's life.

Finally, warm thanks to Rita's caretakers at The Passavant Community and Catholic Hospice for their compassionate care at the end of her life.

Gaudet— Rita's family will welcome friends of Rita Claire Ball Gaudet, who passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, from 4 p.m. until the time of her funeral ceremony at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, with Reid Moon officiating.In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial donations in Rita's name be sent to the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation, 401 S. Main St., Olde Main, Apartment 165, Zelienople, PA 16063.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Rita's family at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.