Rita L. Roesner, 69, of Steger, Ill., passed away on Sunday,Jan. 27, 2008.

She was a retired cafeteria manager with Rich East High Schooland a member of the Crete Harley-Davidson Hog Club.

Rita was a devoted wife of 30 years to Russell Roesner; theloving mother of Annette (Allen) Umfleet, Janie (Butch) Keene, ofBrookhaven, and Richard Claus Jr.; cherished grandmother of Amanda(Joe) Hill, Alison Umfleet, Travis and Natalie Keene, Danielle andRebeca Claus; and great-grandmother of Preslee Marie Hill. She isalso survived by her sisters, Mary Jane Boehrnsen, Phyllis (Joe)Borsilli and Joanne “Chickie” Martin and her sister-in-law, Janice(Denny) Pelock.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and JaneSylvester; a sister, Louise Henn; and a brother, Jim Sylvester.

Visitation is Wednesday Jan. 30, from 2 until 9 p.m., at SmitsFuneral Homes-Steger Memorial Chapel (3045 Chicago Road,Steger).

Funeral services are Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home,with interment at Calvary Cemetery in Steger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South SuburbanHumane Society, 1103 W. End Ave., Chicago Heights, IL 60411.

Smits Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements and may bereached at (708) 755-6100 or www.smitsfuneralhomes.com.