Swiftwater , NH-  Rita L. Richards, 80, passed away on July 14, 2016, at the Grafton County Nursing Home, North Haverhill, NH.

She was born in Walpole, NH, on October 27, 1935, the daughter of Frank McCoy and Lulu M. Tattersall.

Rita was raised on a farm and was always surrounded by animals. She was always wandering through the woods. Rita would occasionally find baby wildlife and bring them home and care for them.  This started her passion for wildlife and caring for animals. She started a wildlife animal rescue facility named The Peaceable Kingdom Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at her home on Goose Lane.

Rita worked for many years as a correctional officer for the Grafton County Corrections in North Haverhill, NH.

She was predeceased by her father, Frank McCoy in 1937; her mother, Lulu M. Ingerson in 2010; and two step fathers, Forrest Clark and George Ingerson.

She is survived by her son, Tilden Wright of Bath, NH; a daughter, Patricia Maki and husband Eric of Wentworth, NH; three grandchildren, Jason Wright, Phillip Wassell, and Kelly Wassell;  a great grandson; a sister, Phyllis Bellmore and companion Denal Allen of Plainfield, NH; a brother, Forrest "Sid" Clark and wife Michelle of North Haverhill, NH;

There will be no calling hours.

A graveside service will be on Tuesday, July 19, at 11 AM, at the Mountain View Cemetery, Benton, NH.

Memorial contributions may be made to the animal rescue of one's choice.