Rita Brunell, 97, of Hurley, passed into Eternal Life on Friday, March 9, 2012, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley.      She was born Sept. 1, 1914, in Hurley to the late Joseph A. and Catherine (Panizza) Ferrari, who had immigrated from Italy and arrived in Hurley in July of 1914.      A lifelong resident of the area, she married Edward Brunell Jr. in 1934 and they made their home in South Carey. Edward preceded her in death in 1959.      Following Ed's death, Rita went to work at Simpson Electric in Mercer and retired from there after almost 20 years of service. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and traveling to visit relatives and friends with her daughters until she was no longer able to do so. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley where she was very active in various ladies organizations.      Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Emil Busse Sr.; grandchildren, Dale Bowen, Naomi (Reggie) Brooks, Valerie Wager, Elvira James, Emil Jr. and Eddie Busse; great-grandchildren, Christina, Leandra and Danielle Stein (Kevin Sr.) Cooper, Jessica Hamberger, Tanya (Art Heis) Stephen, Steven and John Wager Jr., Heather Wood and Jeremy Dobson; great-great-grandchildren, Rhiannan Stephen, Kevin Cooper Jr., and Jaden Stein; two sisters-in-law, Delphine Ferrari and Eva Saari; a brother-in-law, James Andrews; numerous nieces and nephews and their families; and many friends, old and new, that she has made over the years.      Besides her parents and husband, Rita was predeceased by one son, Donald, in 1935, shortly after birth; one daughter, Kathleen, in 2011; her 10 siblings plus two brothers in infancy; and several nieces and nephews.      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 16, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, celebrant.      Rite of Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the parish hall.      Spring burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.      Pallbearers will be Emil Busse Sr., Emil Busse Jr., Edward Busse, Steve Wager and John Wager Jr.      Condolences may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood.      Rita's family wishes to thank the staff at Villa Home Health, Sky View Nursing Center, and Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care and assistance given to Rita over the years.