Rita Claire Avary, 80, of Marshall, IL passed away November 14th, 2014 at her home in Marshall.

She was born on May 19, 1934 in Terre Haute, IN the daughter of Oscar and Norma Louise Lundstrom. Rita Married LCDR James C. Avary, USN and had three children.

She is survived by one son John Avary and his wife Yvonne of Terre Haute, IN; one daughter, Ann Therese Avary of Port Townsend, WA; her sister, Norma Prevo of Marshall, IL and four grandchildren Zachary Avary of Indianapolis, IN, Christina Avary of Terre Haute, IN, James Avary of Terre Haute,IN, and Liz Avary-Schuller and her husband Don of Indianapolis, IN; seven great grand children and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and son James.

Rita was born and raised in Terre Haute and lived in Florida, Washington, and California during her husband's Naval career. Community minded, she was a past president of the Officers Wives Club, and continued to volunteer thoughout her life, most recently at St. Mary's Parrish, where she was very active member. Rita loved her family, books and crossword puzzles. An avid reader, she kept up on current events, and was always eager to learn something new.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 11:30 Thursday November 20, 2014 with Fr. Mike Haag Officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time on Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. For those so desiring memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots.