Rita Marie Elizabeth (Caton) Davidson went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 8^th, 2015 at home with her family by her side. She was born on February 25^th, 1932, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Lona and Frank Caton.

 Rita moved to Washington state in 1944 and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Yakima, Washington, in 1949.  She entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity. Prior to her final vows, she became ill. While recovering at home, she was reunited with an old friend, Leon Davidson. Rita and Leon were married August 20^th, 1952.

 Mom and Dad were soul mates, best friends and totally devoted to each other. They were married 57 years at the time of Dad’s death in 2010. Their first dance together was at their 50^th wedding anniversary celebration. Mom became a mall walker with Dad, and made many special friends there.  She accumulated 23,000 miles.

 Rita loved her job late in life as supervisor of the Drop In Center at Central United Protestant Church where she tenderly cared for numerous children.  Being a woman of God, she committed her life to helping others. She was a campfire Girl’s leader several times over the years and served as a volunteer with her parent’s White Cane Blind Club.  She volunteered at the Richland Senior Center where she called Bingo and helped to enrich the lives of many seniors, served with the Contact Center, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, volunteered with CUP Church’s Grief Recovery Group and many other organizations. 

 Most importantly, she loved the Lord with all her heart and shared her faith daily by her example and the way she loved others.  She was a wonderful mother to her children who survive her: daughters LaDonna Lovejoy (Tim) of Las Cruces, NM, Sue Dietrich (Bob) of Kennewick, Leona Repp (Phil) of West Richland, Mary Coates (Tim) of Richland, and son Alex Davidson of Las Vegas, Nevada.  She is also survived by grandchildren Beth, Kristie, Melanie, Rachelle, Jessica, Bobby, Nancy, David and Tommy, great grandchildren Cameron, Annali, Liberty, Mac, Scarlett, Lincoln, Sawyer, Molly, Kade, Kylie, Stella, Lola, and special family members Chere, Malisa, Erika, Sharaya, and Evan and lifelong friend June Smith and special kitten babies Lucy and Lulu.  She is also survived by her sister, Irene Groves of Leavenworth, Kansas and brother, Earl Caton of Ava, Illinois.

 Mom was skilled with crochet needles and cross stitch.  Every grandchild and great grandchild received a beautiful keepsake blanket at the time of their birth.

 Rita was preceded in death by her loving husband Leon, infant daughter Nancy Marie, parents Lona and Frank Caton, brothers Ira Francis and Walter, sisters Bertha, Theresa, Rosemary and Sueanne.

 Mom fought a nine year battle with Melanoma, not complaining once. In her words, “she was in a win/win situation” having full faith in her Eternal Saviour.  Her CUP church family played a very important part in her life and was wonderful support through her illness.

 A Funeral Service will be held for Rita at Central United Protestant Church Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 1:00pm. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

 A special thanks to Nancy, Beth and Steph for their loving care of Mom. Thanks to Hospice at Chaplaincy and special nurse Linda, Dr. Choe and Dr. Haque.

 Donations can be made to Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99354 or Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.