RITA Richardson, who was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame WA in 2008, has died at the age of 71.
She passed away on September 25 after a battle with cancer. She is survived by her sons Paul and Douglas and daughter Tani.
Born in Scotland, Rita came to WA in 1981 and had been involved in football Australia-wide for over 25 years.
The hard-working Rita was secretary of both Cockburn Junior and Senior clubs. She then went outside the metropolitan region and became junior vice-president and later president of Burnbury Tricolore.
Later on she was secretary/treasurer of the Bunbury and Districts Junior Association.
She was friendly with former Australian national team coach Rale Rasic and this resulted in her moving East in 2002 to be Football Administration Manager with Sydney side Marconi Stallions, who were at that time one of the leading lights in the National Soccer League.
Bigger opportunities arose and for over three years she was the International Transfer and Clearance Officer for Football Federation Australia. She was a Life Member of both the Bunbury and Districts Junior Association and also the JSA.
Rita was delighted when she was inducted into the Hall of Recognition in 2008. And she made a welcome donation of many items of memorabilia which were auctioned off on the night.
Football Hall of Fame WA chairman Louis Prospero said: "Rita's death is a sad loss for the game in Western Australia.
"She was a dedicated administrator in the game, not only here but also over east, for many years and the Hall of Fame was honoured to recognise her contribution to football in 2008. I well remember her as a lovely lady. Always very approachable."

PICTURED: Rita receives her Hall of Fame trophy from Football West chairman Kevin Campbell in 2008.