Rita Kennedy

Kennedy, Rita M. MADISON –Rita M. Kennedy, age 87, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Heritage Monona, surrounded by her family. She was born on Aug. 7, 1927, in Minnesota, the daughter of Ernest and Grace (Sweere) Riddering. Rita married Robert S. Kennedy on May 9, 1950, in Butler, Minn. He preceded her in death in 2005. She worked for Rayovac for over 27 years, retiring in 1993. Rita was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, of Madison. She enjoyed traveling in the car, taking in the view of the countryside, visiting Ho-Chunk, but most of all loved spending time with her family. Rita is survived by her children, Jim (June), Mark (Renee), Karen Shippy, and Donna (Keith) Sievwright; grandchildren, Ben, Chris (Lisa), and Tyler Kennedy, Adam Shippy and Heidi (Tom) Williamson; four great-grandchildren, Tommy, Ryan, Reese, and Jayden; two sisters; a brother; and other relatives and many friends. In addition to her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her three children, Mary, Carol and John Kennedy. Prayer services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, with Fr. Michael Radowicz presiding. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs of Monona Heritage and Agrace HospiceCare. Rita was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.