Rita Ann Klender

1941 - 2023

Rita Ann Klender, 82, of Punxsutawney, passed away Sept. 19, 2023, at Mulberry Square.
She was born on Feb. 3, 1941, in Punxsutawney, the daughter of the late James and Gerturde (O'Conner) Quinlisk. On Aug. 12, 1967, she married David Edward Klender, who survives.
After graduating high school, Rita worked as a switch board operator at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital. She went on to become a loving mother of two boys and a devoted homemaker.
Rita was also a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of the Rosary Society and a devoted woman of faith and to the church.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. She would always take care of everyone around her. She enjoyed spending time with family at her home.
Rita is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, David Klender of Punxsutawney; two sons, David E. Klender Jr. and wife Deanna of Middlesex, North Carolina, and Kevin J. Klender and fiancé Donna Feight of Clearfield; two granddaughters, Katie and McKenna Klender; and numerous nephews, nieces, in-laws and close friends whom she loved dearly.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Jim Quinlisk, and a sister, Margaret Moran.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no viewing. A funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church with Msgr. Joseph Riccardo as celebrant. Friends will be received from noon until the time of the service in the gathering room at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney. Burial will be in Calvery Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mulberry Square or Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic Church Online tributes can be made at www.shumakerfh.com.