Marietta M. Rita O'Brien, age 91, passed away peacefully in the arms of her loved ones on March 7, 2010. Born December 16, 1918 in Beal City, Ml., Rita years ago taught Arts and Crafts in her home, and was active with March For Dimes and Girl Scouts. She was charter member of both St. Therese and St. Gerard Churches. She was a former president of the Lansing Deanery. She was the founder and C.E.O. of the Arcadia Center For The Needy in Arcadia, Fl, where she was the driving force in caring for the people needing help, organizing local churches, public speaking, and fund rising for the center. She was honored in Arcadia as the Humanitarian Of The Year for her works. Preceded in death by her husband Arthur J. O Brien, Jr. in 1997; 2 sisters, Marian and Neva; 2 brothers, Harold and Alexander. Surviving are her 3 children, Thomas (Dee) O Brien, Marjorie (Jack) Bebiak, and James (Chris) O Brien; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Strauss; and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Joshua Creek Cemetery, Arcadia, FL. Family will receive friends at the graveside one hour prior to the services. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.