Rita A. Jessee, 82, entered into rest on June 25, 2011 in Manteca, California. She was born on March 23, 1929 in Fresno, California. She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Jessee.
Mrs. Jessee is survived by her four children; Gary Jessee and wife Cecelia of Stockton, Gail Perry and husband George of Manteca, Dane Jessee and wife Darlene of Manteca and Anne Leonardo and husband Louie of WA. She was blessed by 11 grand-children; Dayna Boyd, Gregory Jessee, Ryan Jessee, Amy Perry, George Perry, Jennifer Jessee, Kelly Huszar, Jonathon Jessee, Andrew Jessee, Christopher Leonardo and Maren Leonardo, as well as, 8 great grandchildren. In addition, Rita has one surviving brother Roy Petersen of Fresno.
Rita graduated from Ripon High School in 1947. Shortly before graduation Rita eloped with her sweet-heart Donald Jessee and made their home in Manteca for over 65 years. Since 1970 Rita and her husband enjoyed traveling to their favorite destination, Lake Almanor. In 1984 Rita and Donald had their retirement home built in Lake Almanor where they spent several years. While in Lake Almanor, Rita was involved with the Woman’s Fire Auxiliary where the la-dies were known as the “Firecrackers.” She enjoyed singing, crocheting, garden-ing, and fishing with her husband. After the passing of her husband Donald in 1987, Rita then moved back to Manteca to be closer to her children and grandchil-dren. She was an attendee of Calvary Community Church of Manteca. Rita was known in her community as “Rita Red.” She loved wearing the color red as to her the color red represent-ed “the blood of Christ”. When wearing red as she did daily; when others would compliment her on her beautiful color, Rita would find it as an opportu-nity to share the love of Christ. Rita was a true pray-er warrior. She prayed for all who were in need. She was very outspoken about her love of God, prayer and devotional time. She was a loving mother and grand-mother who always prayed and supported her children and grandchildren. She continually encouraged her family in their hopes, dreams and goals. Rita will be remembered as a devot-ed wife, a loving mother and a wonderful grand-mother. She will be missed.
Arrangements for Mrs.Jessee are under the direction of P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home. A visi-tation will be held on Thursday, June 30, from 1-5pm at P.L .Fry & Son, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, July 1st at 2pm also at P.L. Fry & Son. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Manteca Historical Society, 600 West Yosemite Ave., Manteca, CA, 95337. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries).
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
