Nita Merl Dills

She lived many years in the San Joaquin Valley before moving to McKinleyville with her first husband, Keith Livasy, in 1956. After a long bout with heart disease, Nita quietly passed away December 12 at The Eureka Rehabilitation Center. The family wishes to thank the Caregivers at the Center for their loving care of our beloved Nita.

Nita was a hairstylist for 68 years, working in her home salon until just a few months before passing. Nita dedicated her life to the Lord shortly after moving to McKinleyville and her love for God and family were evident. Although Nita never had children of her own she adopted Keith's son from a previous marriage; Colin was two at the time. She also adopted Steven Livasy and raised two foster daughters, Susan Strickland and Terry Black.

Nita was preceded in death by her husband, Keith, sisters Lula (Tootie) Hurt, Dona McColloch, Ina Riddle-Crossman, brother John Hurt, brother-in-law Charles Ruff and nephews David Riddle and Gary Ketner.

Nita is survived by husband William Dills, sons Colin Livasy and wife Linda of Fieldbrook, and Steven Livasy of Fresno, CA. She is also survived by sisters Laura Carter and husband Roy of Springfield, MO; Betty Ruff of Oregon House, CA; and Joyce Ketner of Manteca, CA; brother Jim Hurt of McKinleyville; brother-in-law Jim McColloch of Chowchilla, CA and sister-in-law Lillian Hurt of Visalia, CA. Nita was blessed with four grandchildren; Betty Jo Livasy Gillis, Richard Livasy, Michael Livasy, Amy Livasy Rippetoe, nine great grandchildren,10 nieces and 15 nephews.

A service to celebrate Nita's life will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11am at Paul's Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata, CA.

Pallbearers will be Colin Livasy, Steven Livasy, Fred Taylor, James Meagher, Michael Meagher, Philip Meagher, and Eric Brundage. Service will be conducted by Dean Youngsma of Oregon.

Public Viewing will be Wednesday, December 19 at Paul's Chapel from 4 to 8 pm.

Please sign the guest book at www.Tiems-STandard.com, click obits.