St. George, UT - Rita Iese Purcell Scott passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at home surrounded by many loved ones. Rita battled rheumatoid arthritis for many long years and is now free from pain and suffering. Rita was born April 24, 1936 in Tafatafa, Western Samoa to loving parents Iese and Siai Purcell. Rita was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved genealogy and church history. She served a mission in Samoa where she served as a counselor in the Primary Mission Presidency amongst other callings. She taught school in Samoa and was loved by many of her students. Rita had many interests and hobbies, including reading, cooking and baking. She was also very creative and loved to sew. She was known as the family historian and had a sharp mind to recall details of stories from the past. Rita was fun-loving and had a wonderful sense of humor. Rita will always be remembered for her loving and kind spirit, her selflessness towards others, and her unconditional love for her family. Rita is survived by her children Phyllis Johnson and Johnny Scott; her grandchildren: Camilla, Andrea, Bill, Iese, Siana, and Addison; and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her six sisters and one brother: Vaiotuli Harrington, Vaiula Fano, Lilia Papalii, Satuala Wilson, Vaovai Keil, Too Purcell, Norma Amosa, and many loving nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her daughter Angie Scott; her parents Iese and Siai Purcell, and her husband John Scott. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hurricane LDS Stake Center, 677 S. 700 W., Hurricane, UT. A visitation will be held Tuesday, from 10-10:45 a.m., at the Stake Center, prior to services. Interment will be in the Hurricane City Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221.