Rita M. VanNess, age 82, passed away on September 15, 2025, at Maple Ridge Senior Living in Willoughby. She was born on May 4th, 1943, in Painesville to Andrew and Mary (Cardina) Lombardy.

Rita was an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Mentor and volunteered for many church programs and events over the years.

She loved being with family and friends, whether it was a holiday gathering, picnic, or just a summer day by the pool. Rita and her husband Gerald enjoyed travelling, and she always looked forward to their yearly visits to Florida.

She also enjoyed music and dancing, especially the "Jitterbug."

Rita is survived by her husband, Gerald VanNess; son, Brian Walters; stepchildren, Mark (Mary Ann) VanNess, Jerry VanNess, Jeff VanNess, David (Lori) Clark, Vicki (John) Sutula, and Angela Nastasi; brothers, Andrew (Nancy) Lombardy, Charles (Donna) Lombardy; sister, Judith (Jack) Bradenbaugh; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Marie Puleo, Theresa Fleming, Geraldine Ace, and Dolores Bradenbaugh; and brothers, Donald Lombardy and Nicholas Lombardy.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville.

Services will be on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mentor Cemetery.

Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.