Rita Margaret Meyer

Rita Margaret Meyer, 93, of Phoenix and Tempe, passed away suddenly, and went to be with the Lord, on October 21, 2016. Rita, the youngest of 10 children, was born in St. Stephens, Ohio, to Joseph and Emma Reiderman. Rita was married to Clarence Meyer for 42 years. The family moved to Phoenix in 1953. She was later married to George Eppler for eight years. Both Clarence and George predeceased her.

Rita had several jobs throughout her lifetime, and retired from Motorola in 1985, after almost 23 years of service. She then worked as a teacher’s aide for the next 10 years.

Rita was a lifetime volunteer in both the community and St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Throughout her lifetime she enjoyed many activities including dancing (square, round, line and ballroom), and RVing. She was readily identified in the neighborhood as an avid walker. Rita climbed seven miles up South Mountain every year in the Climb to Conquer Cancer, her last climb being on her 89th birthday. In recent years, her favorite activity was game playing--at any opportunity. Rita found great pleasure in socializing with friends. Notably, Rita was a friend to many and attributed her longevity to her many friendships.

Rita is survived by her five children: Karen (Magnan), Denny, Ron, Pam and Scott; seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be at 2:00pm, Friday, October 28, at the Friendship Village auditorium 2645 E. Southern in Tempe.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to one of her favorite charities, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.