Rita Joan Hay Meares

"Rita Joan Hay Meares, 88, passed away April 7, 2018 at the Crossing at Clarity Hospice due to complications of dementia. Rita loved life and her family. Rita was born in New Orleans, La. on October 18, 1929 to Howard S Hay and Alma Gray Hay Darden who have predeceased her.  Survivors include her husband of 70 years Hurshel "Jug" Meares, daughters Cindy Ballis(Craig) Cheryl Kees (Jim) Jan Dardenne (Tommy) (deceased), and Joan McMorris (Terry). Her grandchildren are Robby Field, Lalie Edgecombe, Blayne Coupel, Ian Smith, Brooke M. Gifford, Leah Mason, Kali Verzone, Daniel Kees and Rachael Flores. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and 2 great-great granddaughters.After meeting Hurshel at Southeastern in Hammond, LA, they married Aug. 23,1947 and moved to Baton Rouge where she lived the rest of her life. She was a talented seamstress sewing many dance revue costumes and clothes for her daughters. She belonged to Le Pouce Verd Garden club and loved to grow flowers. She was an active member of the PTA at her daughters' schools.  One of her greatest accomplishments was being a main contributor to the startup of the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. Baton Rouge chapter of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon to be televised locally.  Rita retired from the Dept of Public Safety Motor Vehicle Division after 17 years of service. She was a member of the Tappin Golden Girls. She really enjoyed dancing, cruises and skiing vacations (taking the children and grandchildren along).She was a member of the Oakcrest Baptist Church. Visitation is 5-9 Monday the 9^th at Rabenhorst East. Tuesday Visitation 10-11 until Service at the chapel. Burial following at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name to the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. or an animal rescue charity as she had a huge love for animals.