Wilton, NY - Rita Anne Matthei, of Christina Court, passed away Friday morning (Dec. 10, 2010) at her residence. She was 78. Born on April 12, 1932 in Oceanside, Long Island, she was a daughter of the late John and Marion (Mertz) Koehler and attended Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. She was a member of Gurtler Bros. Post 420 VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a life member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161 Ladies Auxiliary. A communicant of St. Clement's Church, along with her husband, she served as a lector at weekend liturgies. An avid bridge player, she operated the Four Seasons Duplicate Bridge Club for many years and was a member of Saratoga Vicariate Ladies of Charity. She volunteered for the Meals On Wheels program, was active with the school PTA and was a former Boy Scout Webloe den mother for several years. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, George S. Matthei, whom she married on May 6, 1953 at a US Army base Chapel in Pittsburg, CA; her seven children; Kayne (Jerry) Tavares of Waterbury, VT, David Matthei of Burlington, VT, Stephanie (Edward) Harms of Swanzey, NH, Michael Matthei of Rensselaer, NY, Valerie (Bernard) Huot of Middletown, Delaware, Gregory Matthei of Rensselaer and Elisabeth Matthei of Clifton Park, NY; one sister, Ruth (Robert) Thomas of Hilton Head Island, SC and a sister-in-law, Barbara Matthei of Coram, NY; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Monday (Dec. 13, 2010) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Tuesday in St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Avenue, by the Rev. Paul Borowski, pastor. Burial will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Following interment, a reception for family and friends will follow at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge at 1 Elk Lane. Memorials may be made in her name to the Community Hospice of Saratoga County, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.