MESA, Arizona — Rita Wright, long time resident of Rochelle, died at home in Mesa, Arizona, on Jan. 11, 2020 where she lived with her daughter, Valerie Bemann.  
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Wright (July 30, 1926 to Sept. 15,2018).
Rita and Mel moved their family in 1966 from Denver, Colorado, when Melvin’s employer, Swift and Company, relocated him to Rochelle. They remained residents of Rochelle until 2014.
Both Rita and Mel were active in the community of Rochelle. They both were members of the garden club, delivering meals on wheels, and visiting the homebound. They both enjoyed traveling worldwide. Rita worked at Tilton Elementary serving lunches to the students for many years. She was an active member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed music, gardening, needlework, and spending time with her family.
Rita is survived by three sisters; her four adult children; four granddaughters; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A service is planned on Feb. 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 Power Rd., Mesa, Arizona 85206
Donations in memory of Rita can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio Street Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611 or online.
A link to her tribute page can be found at pulmonaryfibrosis.org.