Rita Lucie Merino

Rita Lucie Merino (Gray) was born on May 16th, 1936, in Berlin, Germany, to Magarete and Arthur Gray. Raised during the tumultuous times of World War II, Rita was a strong, intelligent and curious child with a deep love for animals. She grew up in Berlin, Germany alongside her two older brothers, Wolfgang and Olaf Gray.

In 1961, Rita met the love of her life, Michael Merino, an American serving in the United States Air Force. They married in 1963 in Berlin and later moved to the United States, settling in Victorville, CA. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Rita. Rita dedicated her life to her family as a devoted housewife and mother. Rita was incredibly proud of her children's accomplishments and supported them wholeheartedly, she was always their champion. Rita was a devoted wife and was proud of her husband’s military accomplishments and supported him throughout his lifelong career in the United States Airforce. Rita was deeply involved in her grandchildren's lives, spoiling them with love, affection, and delicious food. She loved telling stories of her life and cultural heritage and instilled in her Grandchildren a love for the German culture and a wanderlust to explore the world that they still share today. She cherished spending time with her family, enjoying good food, good company, and laughter. Rita loved to laugh. She had a sweet tooth and loved spending evenings on the couch with her family, watching funny movies and indulging in sweets. She loved a good German bread and would go out of her way to make sure it was fresh and authentic traveling miles away from her home to visit authentic German delis and bakeries.

Her love for animals was evident throughout her life, as she lovingly cared for many beloved dogs and cats, treating them as cherished members of the family and was a lifelong member of the ASPCA, an advocate for animal welfare.

Rita was known for her infectious laughter and fun-loving spirit. She took immense pride in her German heritage, actively participating in German clubs and maintaining her cultural traditions making several trips back to Germany with her family. Rita loved to travel and would do so every chance she got. She would visit her daughter, Granddaughters and Great Grandchildren in Alaska whenever she could, exploring the beauty and majesty of the last frontier.

Her home was always beautifully decorated and immaculate, reflecting her meticulous care and attention to detail. Rita had a passion for collectibles and cherished every item she owned. Her home was a warm, welcoming and beautiful place everyone loved to visit.

Rita had a keen sense of style and loved to shop, always taking great care of her appearance. She was always the best dressed lady in the room and never left the house without looking her best. Even in her later years, Rita's beauty shone through, with her radiant skin and warm smile.

Rita left this earth peacefully after a long and full life, surrounded by and lifted up in love by her daughter and granddaughters. She leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished for many lifetimes.

Rita is survived by her brother Wolfgang Gray and wife Karin, her daughter Rita Tedford and husband Ryan, her son Michael Merino and wife Gayle, her grandchildren Nicole, Melissa, Jackie, and Julie, and her great-Grandchildren Ava, Alex, Everly, Ryder, Fynn, and Wyatt. She will be forever missed and cherished as the amazing, strong woman she was.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Rita's love for animals, donations can be made to the ASPCA in her name.

https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-memory-sl-p1?gclid=21be286ea7df18bd910c4fee2d133521&gclsrc=3p.ds&ds_rl=1066461

A service to celebrate her life will be held in Riverside, CA at a later date where she will be laid to rest next to her Husband Michael Merino in the prestigious Riverside National Cemetery.