RAYNE – Funeral services will be held at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove, at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2009, for Rita Helen Leonards, 88, who died Friday, April 24, 2009, at Southwind Nursing and Rehab Center in Crowley. Rev. Kevin Bordelon will conduct the funeral mass.

Interment will be in the St. Leo IV Catholic Cemetery in Roberts Cove.

Surviving are two sisters, Catherine L. Huesers of Crowley and Mary Ann Leonards of Roberts Cove; four brothers, Henry and Dennis Leonards both of Crowley; Benno Leonards of Gulfport, MS; and Wilfred Leonards of Bunkie; and also by 45 nieces and nephews, and 114 great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Augusta Zaunbrecher Leonards, her step-mother, Annie Z. Leonards, three sisters, Josephine L. Cramer, Johanna and Lidwina Leonards; four brothers, William, Norbert, Vincent and Raymond Leonards..

She was born in Acadia Parish on December 27, 1920, to the late Lawrence and Augusta Zaunbrecher Leonards.

Prior to her retirement, Rita was employed at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley for over 20 years. She was a member of St. Leo’s Altar Society and a charter member of Court St. Leo #2168. She was a past member of Roberts Cove Homemaker Club, and always looked forward to Germanfest celebrations each year.

Rita loved to bake and cook, and spend time in her yard. Her family would like to give a special thanks to the Staff at Southwind and to her niece, Beth Leonards Simon, for her care.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Sunday, led by the St. Leo Altar Society.

Friends will be received at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne, on Sunday, April 26, 2009 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Monday, April 27, 2009, from 8 a.m. until time of services.

Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne.