Rita Ann Mary, age 90, was born in West Allis, WI on March 20, 1935, to the union of August and Catherine (Ganier) Zodrow. She attended Archdiocese of Milwaukee where she was confirmed Rita Ann Mary Muriel Zodrow.

Rita married Robert Merty Echols Sr. on November 19, 1955, in Milwaukee, WI. They later moved to Fairmont, WV, and then lived between both homes over their 42 years of marriage. There were 4 children born to this union- Robert II (Wee Bob), Celestine (Tina), Virginia (Ginny), and Stevan (Stevie).

Rita would go on to obtain her HSED from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1980. This would later be followed by a variety of certifications, including a certification for Medical Assistant in 1986.

Rita had many jobs over her life, but she most enjoyed bookkeeping. She was great with numbers and took pride in helping her children and grandchildren with homework. She also took great pride in attending school activities and served on the PTA at her children’s schools. She earned numerous recognitions for her involvement from the schools and the Milwaukee County Executive.

Family was very important to Rita, and she often extended her love for family to her neighbors, coworkers, as well as her children and grandchildren’s friends. She babysat often, up to 19 children at once. Her home was a gathering place that many remember and cherish for being a place where they could be accepted regardless of where they came from. There was never judgement, just love.

As she got older, and started retirement, Rita decided retirement was not for her. She returned to work a few times working at Pick N Save and Jewel Osco. Rita was finally forced to retire in 2014 due to her health. She stayed busy with her love of game shows, baseball, and word search, as well as family get-togethers.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents - August and Catherine Zodrow; her siblings – John (Jack) Zodrow, Charles Zodrow, Joseph Zodrow, Harold Zodrow, Elizabeth Damiano, Rosemary Augustine; her husband, Robert Merty Echols Sr, her great-grandson Brendan Echols, and her nephew Claude Augustine Jr.

She is survived by her children- Robert Marty Echols II (Tenecia) of Naples, Florida; Celestine Marie Cloyd (Michael) of Milwaukee, WI; Virginia Almeta Echols of Menomonee Falls, WI; Stevan John Echols (Sherry) of Diana, Texas; grandchildren – Tamara Sinclair, Jimmy Sinclair II, Christopher Holyfield, Corey Echols (Melissa) , Atoi Sinclair, Chantel Fisher (Justin), Desiree Echols, Craig Echols (Joanna), Brianna Preman (Austin), Jordan Cloyd, Stevan Echols II; great-grandchildren - Tatyana Pearson, Tauja Sinclair, Rowan Smith, Kylie Echols-Preman, Alayna Preman , Caelum Echols, Peyton Preman, Maya Echols, Nala Echols; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Rita transitioned on May 7, 2025. Her legacy will carry on forever, reminding us to live a life of meaningful acts of love, laughter, and service to others.