Rita Margaret Hanchett

Rita (Pellini) Hanchett passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side at Memorial Hospital in Modesto following a brief illness. She always lived life to the fullest with a large group of friends and extended family. Everyone who met her loved her positive attitude and fun-loving way of approaching life.

Rita was born June 10, 1933 in Sacramento, California to Lorenzo and Antoinette Pellini who were originally from Lucca, Italy. Rita went to school, married and had her three children in Sacramento and in 1961 they moved to Modesto.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Jim Hanchett in 1999. She is survived by her loving family: her son Jim (Crystal) Hanchett, her daughters: Cynthia (Joe) Farmer and Cheryl (Jose) Cornejo; grandchildren: Heather Adamson, Holly (John) Boyd, Jamie Hanchett, Michael (Maria) Hanchett, Adam Cornejo, Andrew Cornejo, Alyssa Cornejo, Kevin (Amy) Layton and Erich Layton; and six great grandchildren: Lorenzo, Emerson, Jacob, Annabella, Nathaniel and Camilla. She is also survived by her sister Nina Ondina and brother Henry (Sue) Pellini as well many nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S and Italy.

Rita was active in the community and belonged to many service organizations, including the Elks, Moose, American Legion, Daughters of the Golden West and many senior clubs. She loved to travel with her companion of six years Gary Wilkerson, play cards and games, dance and have fun. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. The community will not be the same without her.

Funeral services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Hughson on Monday, December 7, 2015. Viewing will begin at 9AM and the Chapel Service will follow at 11AM with Interment immediately following.