Rita M. Claus, 91, formerly of Russellton, passed away, August 8, 2023, at her daughters house in Oakdale. She was born in Pittsburgh, November 17, 1931, daughter of the late John and Margaret (Connors) Mitchell. We have lost our beloved Rita Mildred Claus at the age of 91. Rita was a Lover of Life, Dancer of Dances, Singer of Songs and the Queen of Fringe. Rita loved to travel and especially enjoyed family functions, weddings, Fourth of July and making cinnamon rolls, apple pie, gravy bread and ham gravy. Her grandchildren would attest that she was also a ruthless game player. While others would say that she was always there with a helping hand. Rita grew up in Pittsburgh, but Russellton was her home from 1960. With the last 8 years residing with her daughter Kathleen in Oakdale.

She is survived her children; Gary (Linda) Claus, Kathleen (Paul) Krise, Christine (Vince) DeLellis, Larry (Kim) Claus, Shelly (Dan) Specht, Terry (Sherry) Claus; grandchildren, Tracy, Eric, Colleen, Melanie, Kaitlin, Lester, Michael, Nicholas, Taylor, Daniel and Mitchell; great grandchildren, Trey, Gianna, Max, Zoe, Noah, Lilly, Odessa, Hunter, Chase, Austin, Mackenzie and Loclyn; great great grandchildren, Zeppelin and Iver. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lawrence Claus; siblings, Thomas, James, William, Jack and Joseph Mitchell, Ellen Hoffman and Mary Diluigi.

Rita's sense of humor was what set her apart from other people. Some of her last words were "if you got to die, you may as well die laughing". She will be sorely missed by everyone who met her. Friends and relatives will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 7:30 pm, Friday, August 11, 2023, at Adam Siemianowski Funeral Home, 179 Starr Road, Russellton, 15076. A Blessing Service will be celebrated 7:30 pm, Friday, in the funeral home. A private burial will be at Assumption Cemetery Hampton Township. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Cancer Society of Pittsburgh in her name. For online condolences, please visit, www.westdeerfuneralhome.com