Rita passed away peacefully at the age of 93 the evening of January 1, 2019. She was one of nine children and the last surviving member of her family.
Born the middle child of Andrew and Willie Loftis March 15, 1925, Rita was raised in Coalinga, California. She was soon introduced to who would become the love of her life, Bill Waycasy, who she married November 15, 1942. The couple resided in Rita’s hometown along with their four children Harry, Cheryl, Casey and Gary, subsequently moving to the Ojai Valley where they remained for the next 68 years.
After raising her children, Rita worked for NRTA and AARP for 30 years.
An avid walker she was often seen in the mornings making her five mile jaunt on the bike trail and Rice Road tract where she met many Ojai residents. Rita enjoyed over 20 years playing her favorite games of Bunco and Canasta and formed many strong friendships with the women who played alongside her. She was known for her fastidious presence and refined demeanor.
Rita is survived by her four children, Harry (Raylene); Cheryl (Frank) Sheltren; Casey (Gina), and Gary. Grandchildren: Rob Rutherford; Troy (Leslie) Rutherford; Darren Waycasy; Harlan Waycasy; Blair (Keith) Breney; Kara and Chase Waycasy; Crystal and Darrell Waycasy. Great-Grandchildren include: twins Willem and Beckham Rutherford; Logan, Skylar, and Mari Rutherford; Darrien Waycasy; Brittney (Robert) Vasquez; Jeremy (Kryssy) and T.J. Little. Nine great-great grandchildren include: Charlotte Little; Declan, Dermot, and Paloma Breney; Emerson and Huxley Waycasy; Kylee, Shay, and Reese Vasquez.
Rita lost her husband of 67 years in 2009, and was preceded in death by both parents; her brothers: Basil; Jack; Roy, and Earl; sisters: Lucy; Mable; Georgia, and Audrey.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, January 18, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, in Ventura. Interment will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo. Reception to follow at the Sheltren home in Ojai.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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