Spencertown – Rita W. Whiteman, 80, of Stoat Path, died peacefully Saturday morning at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Jamaica, Queens, July 23, 1928, she was the daughter of Walter and Lena Wrede and the widow of Donald Whiteman. A 1946 graduate of Jamaica High School, Rita worked for many years at her late husband's company, Craftech Industries in Hudson. Rita was a keen gardener and skilled at embroidery, and a passionate fan of history and science. But her deepest devotion was to her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her son, Richard Whiteman, of Claverack, and daughters Barbara Gerard, of Spencertown, and Susan Whiteman, of Glen, as well as granddaughters Kate and Laurel Gerard and Lily Whiteman. She was predeceased by her husband and her daughter, Nancy Lee Whiteman. There will be a calling hour from 1 to 2 pm Wednesday at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, and will be followed by intermment at St. Peter's Cemetery in Spencertown. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.frenchblasl.com.