Rita Ellen Cleveland, 71, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 23, 2008. She was born on December 5, 1936 in Presho, South Dakota, the daughter of Patrick and Matilda Sweeney. Rita met the love of her life, Larry J. Cleveland, and on April 30th, 1960 they married in Presho, SD. They were together for 48 wonderful years. Larry's work took them to many different locations and they eventually settled in Kennewick, Washington in 1973. She was an active member of the Catholic Parish of the Holy Spirit. She was a committed member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and volunteered numerous hours at the Food Bank in Pasco. Rita is survived by her loving husband Larry; sons Curt and wife Debbie; Kevin and wife Pat; daughters Carmen Ver Steeg and husband Steve; and Cheryl Bailey and husband Dave; 9 grandchildren Kim and husband Steve, Cathy, Brittany, Bridget, Cory, Kaitlyn, Ali, Jarrod and Brady and one great grandson Cameron; and many wonderful friends all of whom she loved with her whole heart. His Guiding Hand "With outstretched hands, He leads me Where deep blue waters flow, When my footsteps tend to falter, He shows The Way to go. Gently leading on a journey Which is yet unknown to me For the path is steep and narrow Difficult for me to see. But I feel my faith grow stronger And I see a light divine As I smile and travel onward With His strong hand holding mine." Visitation will be Sunday, September 28, 2008, 5pm to 8pm, at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home located at 1401 S. Union Street in Kennewick with Vigil & Holy Rosary beginning at 7:30pm. Funeral Mass Services will be held Monday, September 29th, 10:00am, at the Catholic Parish of the Holy Spirit, 7409 West Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick. Rita was very specific: instead of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Knights of Columbus, or any charity of your choice. "The world is truly a better place because you were here, and we are all better people for having had the privilege to have known you!"