Rita Hasenoehrl, 78

Rita Hasenoehrl died Friday, December 6, 2013, after a courageous 18 month battle with ALS. She was 78.

Rita was born August 29, 1935, in County Mayo, Ireland, to Patrick and Mary (Walsh) Cusack, the youngest of seven children. At age 16 she moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Greencreek, Idaho, with Alphonse and Agnes (Cusack) Schumacher, her cousin. She graduated from Greencreek High School and attended Lewis-Clark Normal School in Lewiston.

Rita married Wilbur Hasenoehrl February 16, 1957. They were married for 56 years, and together raised their seven children in Lewiston. Rita was a loving wife and mother, took pride in her family’s many accomplishments, and enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends where her wonderful sense of humor shined.

Rita had a powerful devotion to God shown through her involvement in her church, Alter Society, and Catholic Daughters. Her children never heard her complain about hardships in life because she believed in the power of prayer and the promise of Heaven.

Rita dedicated 25 years to taking total care of her oldest son, James, after a serious head injury. Rita and Wilbur enjoyed traveling and cherished the many visits back “home” to Ireland.

Rita is preceded in death by her son James, her sister Mary, and her brothers James, Michael John, Patrick, Tom, and Gerald.

Rita is survived by her husband, Wilbur; six children and their families: Mary and Troy Inman; Rose and Virgil Frei, their children Alyssa, Zachary, Kimberly, Joshua, Nicole and Rachael; Brenda and Frank Taylor, and their daughter Jessica; Eric and Lisa Hasenoehrl, and their children Nicholas, Steven, Shane, Emma and Lucy; Shawn and Karen Hasenoehrl, and their daughters Jennifer, Sara, Andrea, Lauren and Kalyn; and Christine and Sean Booth, and their children Chad, Michelle, Amy, David, Josephine, Jacqueline, and Garret. Rita is also survived by many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The vigil service and recitation of the rosary is at 7p.m. Friday, December 13 at All Saints St. James Catholic Church in Lewiston. The funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, followed by burial at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston.

Arrangements are under the direction of Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to The Poor Clare Nuns, Monastery of St. Clare, 4419 N Hawthorne St., Spokane, WA 99205