Rita "Pat" Carlson, 74, a longtime resident of Zelienople, died Tuesday of complications from emphysema.

Born March 15, 1931, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of George and Edna Leahy Rummel.

She owned and managed Carlson's Bait & Tackle for years with her second husband. She enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. She also loved animals and was instrumental in rescuing and finding homes for many strays over the years.

Surviving are her children, Franklin S. Chappel Jr. of Mars, James M. Chappel of Fombell, Linda A. Chappel Shonka of Portersville, Jerry S. Chappel of Meridian and Patrick J. Chappel of Prospect; her grandchildren, Kyle, Christopher, Casey and Alexis Chappel, all of Zelienople; and a lifelong friend, Lynn Brown of Fombell.

She also is survived by her second husband, Eugene Carlson; her stepchildren, Debbie Neely and Ron and Steve Carlson; step-grandchildren, Tom, Jenny and Tim Neely of Zelienople; and a niece, Bonnie Snider of Pittsburgh.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Franklin Chappel, who died Jan. 3, 1990; and a sister, Mary Lou Bruckner.

CARLSON - Friends of Rita "Pat" Carlson, who died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today atBOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Cope, pastor of Mars Alliance Church, officiating. Burial will be at the English Lutheran Church Cemetery, Zelienople.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053; or to the American Lung Association, 11676 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090.Online condolences and information are available at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.