Rita Souvall Billinis 1934 ~ 2005 Rita Souvall Billinis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away at her home November 15 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her dear husband, John Billinis, preceded her in death by three months, on August 24. She is survived by her children, Gus and Barbara Billinis Colessides, of Houston, TX, Katherine Billinis of Salt Lake City, Alexander and Vilma Billinis, of Chicago, IL, grandchildren, John and Alexandra Colessides Solis, Maria Colessides and John Alexander Billinis, great-granddaughter Cassia Elena Solis, brothers and sisters-in-law, Sam and Mary Souvall, Pete and Mary Souvall, Toula Souvall, of Salt Lake City, Ann House Souvall, Phoenix, AZ, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Born January 22, 1934, the last child and only daughter of William A. and Kome P. Souvall, Rita Souvall Billinis attended schools in Salt Lake City, and planned on becoming a schoolteacher when fate intervened: one day, after horseback riding, she met John, the love of her life, her husband of 53 years. Rita devoted herself to raising her children and creating a warm home atmosphere, in Salt Lake City, Bethesda, Maryland, and their summer home in Hydra, Greece. Her sense of style and grace, along with her vibrancy, left an impression on all. Rita's devotion to her family came through as she nursed her husband through his slow decline from Alzheimer's disease, tenderly caring for him even as cancer silently and insidiously robbed her of her own health and radiance. As with her father, Rita's daughter, Katherine, nursed her mother tirelessly in her final months. Viewing will be at Deseret Mortuary, 36 E. 700 So., Thursday, Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., with Trisagion services at 7:30. The funeral will be held Friday morning, November 18, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 So. 300 West. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hospice, 5280 So. Commerce Drive, Suite E200, Murray, UT 84107. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.celebratinglife-ut.com. A mother's love can never be replaced, but her memories are eternal
Obituary: Rita Souvall Billinis
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