Rita Hannele Schmuck

Rita Hannele Schmuck passed away peacefully on July 26, 2009, at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, NV. Rita was born September 13, 1946 in Poytya, Finland. She met and married the love of her life Darrell Schmuck in 1983.

Rita with her mother Laila came to the United States in 1961 for a better life. They lived in Mountain Iron, Minnesota where she graduated from High School, as a member of the Honor Society in 1965. Rita became a United States citizen in 1966. She attended nursing school at St Maries College and received her nursing license in 1967. Rita worked two years as a nurse and then went to the Mayo Hospital school for nurse antitheist schooling and graduated as a CRNA in 1972. Rita moved to Bremerton, WA and worked at Harrison Hospital for Olympic Anesthesia Services for 25 years until she retired in 1997. Rita enjoyed swimming, bowling, travel, books, gaming, boating and being with family and friends.

Rita is survived by Darrell (husband and best friend of 26 years) and her poodle Riley at their home in Mesquite, NV. , step-son Shawn David McCambridge and grandchildren lan and Kenji of Vacaville, CA, sister-in-law Denise (Dan) Hoffa Pocatello, ID, nephew Jason (Laurie) Hoffa and family of Pocatello, ID, niece Kellie (Justin) Armstrong and family of Pocatello, ID, and aunt Maila Niemela Turku of Finland. Rita was preceded in death by her mother Laila Koskela, stepfather Ero Koskela and father Toivo Kaukinen.

Rita's wish was to be cremated and returned to Washington. The family will have a casual celebration of her life on August 15th from 3 to 5 P.M. at the Oasis Country Club in Mesquite, NV for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Rita's name to Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation, 4131 Swenson Street Las Vegas, NV 89119. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.