Rita M. Schaffer, 74, of Butler Township passed away peacefully at UPMC Cranberry at 2:10 p.m. Friday.

Born in Pittsburgh, Nov. 30, 1930, she was the daughter of Edward Mueller and Marie Robesh.

A member of First United Methodist, she was active in the church. Schaffer sang in the choir, was part of a women's trio, volunteered and participated in small groups. She also enjoyed traveling in the motor home with her husband over the years.

She had a beautiful smile and made many friends throughout her lifetime. During her last year of life, she was touched by caring doctors, nurses and aides at Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler Dialysis Center, Butler Regional Cancer Center and Cranberry Place.

Her family and friends surrounded her with love, encouragement, support and prayers.

She will be missed by her caring husband of more than 50 years, William R. Schaffer; a daughter, Mrs. Larry (Diane) Hillwig of Dover, Ohio; a son, Glenn R. Schaffer of Butler; three special grandsons, Jay, Joel and Jordan Hillwig; two sisters, Jane Cunic of Pittsburgh and Emily Mueller of Detroit; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother.

SCHAFFER - Friends of Rita M. Schaffer, who died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. J. David Panther officiating. Burial will be at the Chapel of Devotion Mausoleum.Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St., Butler, Pa. 16001.Information is also available at www.thompson-miller.com.