Rita Esther McClain, age 93, formally of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on September 11, 2014, at the Custer Regional Care Center in Custer, SD.

Rita was born in Edgemont, SD, to Arthur and Ida (Bock) Thompson on March 9, 1921. She graduated high school in Edgemont then attended St. Joseph's Hospital and Nursing School in Alliance, NE. Rita married her life partner Ernie Sonsa. She settled in Hot Springs in 1951 as an RN and retired in 1985. After retirement she provided some nursing services to residents at the Evans until 2008. Rita was a member of the VFW, DOE'S, NARFE, and American Legion. She loved puzzles and playing cards. Rita cared for everyone and everyone that knew her loved her.

She was preceeded in death by life partner Ernie Sonsa; son, Patrick Willis, brothers, Carl and Mark; sister, Edna; and grandson, Daniel Willis.

Survivors include daughter, Rita (Roland) Anfinson of Pringle, SD; son, Michael (Angela) Willis of Hot Springs, SD; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 9 great great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral services will be held 10:00a.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD, with Father Kerry Prendiville officiating. Committal service will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD.