Rita L. Miiller, 94, of Kentland, passed into the heavenly light of God's peace on Thursday, February 21st. She was born January 25, 1919, in rural Newton County, the first child of Clarence E. and Mary A. (Farrell) Miiller. As the oldest of nine children, she grew up caring for others. She was a 1937 graduate of Wadena High School and began her career in service to others as a waitress at the Nu-Joy, Post House and Hornes Restaurants in Kentland. She took in ironings to make ends meet and retired from Union Carbide at age seventy. Rita never met a stranger, developing lifelong friendships with folks she met through her work. She frequently boarded a Greyhound bus on her day off for adventures in downtown Chicago or Indianapolis. For years, Rita could be seen riding her bicycle to and from work. At the age of fifty, she decided to learn to drive, bought a car and spent many days shuttling elderly friends to doctor appointments. An avid Bingo player, Rita was proud of donating over 124 pints of blood to the Red Cross. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and St. Joseph's Women's Society and named the 2003 Kentland Citizen of the Year. Rita was known simply as "Aunt Ret" to her 38 nieces and nephews, over 80 great nieces and nephews, many great-great nieces and nephews and three generations of Kentland kids. She will be dearly missed by all of her extended family and most especially by her sisters: Kate Mullen, Kentland; Dorothy Provo, Lafayette; Alice Murphy, Fowler; JoAnn (Leo) Glotzbach, Monticello; and Connie Miiller, Monticello, a brother, Don (Caroline) Miiller of Medaryville, and her sister-in-law, Rita Miiller of Montmorenci. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Art and Jerry. In her final weeks, she was attended to daily by Kate's daughters, who were at her side until she crossed. They regarded her as their second mother and loved her immensely. Friends may call from 8:45 a.m. (CST) on Saturday, March 2, 2013, until the time of rosary services at 9:45 a.m. (CST). Funeral mass begins at 10:00 a.m. (CST) at St. Joseph Church Kentland. Fr. Robert Bernotas to officiate. Private Interment at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery of Goodland. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Covenant Federated Church's Food Pantry, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, or donating a pint of blood to the Red Cross in Rita's honor.