Rita Louise Abell, 61, of California, MD passed away on the morning of October 25, 2010 after a valiant fight with cancer. Born July 7, 1949 in Bethesda, MD, she was the daughter of the late Evelyn Marie Hansen and Robert Henry Schlipp, Sr, USN Ret., of South Haven, MI.

After living in numerous places around the world, her military family was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD. In 1964, Rita met her future husband, Thomas 'Wayne' Abell, Sr. Wayne and Rita were married on May 1, 1966 at Holy Face Church in Great Mills, MD and made California, MD their permanent residence and started their family.

Rita is survived by her husband, Wayne; son, Thomas Wayne Abell Jr. (Jaime) of Mechanicsville, MD; daughter, Barbara Marie Buscher (Andy) of Bushwood, MD; her grandchildren, Alexandra Paige Buscher of Bushwood, MD; Chase Christopher Buscher of Bushwood, MD; her sister, Susan Marie White (Lee) of South Haven, MI; her brother, Robert Henry Schlipp Jr. (Brenda) of Henderson, NV; numerous loved nieces, nephews, and sisters and brothers in-law.

Rita enjoyed supporting the Navy at the Naval Air Systems Command as a defense contractor with Eagle Systems. Rita believed that success was to be a good wife, mother, 'Nana', and friend, which she easily achieved. Over her lifetime, she has enjoyed bowling, softball, darts, and more recently, horseshoes. Every person that had the pleasure to know Rita was touched by her sincerity and pure heart.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 4:00-5:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in honor of Rita Abell, to Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Advancement, 3300 Whitehaven St., NW Ste 4000, Washington, DC 20007 (or via web/phone 800-424-2795) and/or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.