I spent countless hours of carefree relaxation at Julie's house during high school. It was there, in the home that Rita made for her two youngest daughters, where I could take a break from the angst of adolescence composed mainly of the pain brought on by the bullying from the mean girls in our class.

Julie and I would sit on her bedroom floor and listen to REO Speedwagon over and over and over again. We’d stare at the band photo on the LP’s inner sleeve, dissect the gorgeousness of each member, and rank individual features appropriately. Alan Gratzer had the classiest shoes. He also had the best hair, even though Gary Richrath’s face was the cutest. Overall excellence went to Kevin Cronin. Bruce Hall and Neal Doughty didn’t do much for either of us, but we adored them nonetheless.

With all the hindsight I’ve gathered over the 40 years since then, I’ve come to realize that during the time I spent in her home, I was doing much more than hanging out and having fun. I was having my worldview shaped by someone who turned out to be a significant role model.

Rita was a single parent—something far less common than today. While I could see that it wasn’t easy, I was still incapable at the time of appreciating the enormity of what that entailed. But Rita never let that get in the way of being an ever-present helping hand in her community, and that’s what I internalized while I was around her.

My most vivid memories of her volunteerism are the piles of papers and dollar bills spread out on her kitchen table as she did the bookkeeping for the CYO Booster Club. Encountering that image on a regular basis communicated to me that doing something extra was a typical, everyday thing—even for someone who was absolutely entitled to put her feet up and eat bonbons when she returned home from her full-time job at the end of the day. And a person did it because the people around you needed it to be done, plain and simple.

Rest in peace, Rita, and enjoy your beloved Johnny Mathis music to your heart’s content, just like your daughter and I did with our 80’s tunes.

So sorry to hear of Rita's passing. WE have wonderful memories of growing up with her. So glad she is now at peace.

Love,

Cousins Diane, MaryAnn and families

I had the pleasure of working with Rita at the Clearfield Library for many years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

To the Merlo family: I never had the opportunity and the pleasure to meet your mom. However, knowing how well you guys treated her and loved her as well as the fact that she raised some terrific kids makes me wish I had. Also, her love for scrabble and crossword puzzles puts her especially close to my heart.! I am sure you know that she is always with you and that your memories will last forever.

Dear family! I remember very well when Rita came to Cleveland’ a little over 10 years ago and Lori and the kids took them with her to the youth challenge Boating regatta at Edgewater yacht club downtown. It was there that I had the pleasure of meeting her that evening. She reminded me a lot of my grandma Gallup because like Rita, she was feisty, tough,Funny. Great sense of humor and would often make fun of her self in laughable language. It is a memory That I have never forgotten and will never forget this day and I hope this helps you hold that memory along with the other Memories you have of her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult Time but especially during those unusual times that we are currently facing today. I look forward to celebrating her life with the Cleveland side of the family in person as soon as we get back to life as we know it. May her life and Legacy continue To be honored for years to come.

Love Will