RITA HELD

Sept 29, 1925 - Dec 5, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY Rita Joyce (Manning) Held died December 5, 2014. She was born September 29, 1925, in Oklahoma City. She was the second daughter of Ira and Eileen Manning, joining her big sister, Kathleen. Rita lived in Oklahoma City all of her life. She attended Classen High School, and after graduation in 1943, she worked for five years at Southwestern Bell. Rita knew Carl Held throughout her school days, but when he returned from the Army after World War II, they became sweethearts. They married on January 30, 1948. Rita possessed great charm and good looks. She loved sewing, and she kept up with all the latest fashions. She dressed impeccably, and she was always ahead of any trend. She loved people and was always ready to listen and learn more about those around her. But above all, she loved her family. Rita and Carl were married 66 years. They had five sons, Billy, Gary, Mark, Tim, and Brad; and one daughter, Tina. Tim passed away in 1958, and Brad passed away in 1991. While these losses were heartbreaking and tragic, Rita never lost her resolve. She raised her children to be good, obedient, and responsible adults. Through Rita, 29 people came to life and love: her sons and daughter; son-in-law and daughters-in-law; grandsons, granddaughters, and their spouses; and finally, great-grandchildren. Rita was the greatest example of a mother, and she carried that legacy forward to her children and grandchildren. Rita was God's gift to us. Words cannot express the deepest appreciation we have for her. Although we are deeply saddened by her loss, we know that after having lived the fullest life, she is now in Heaven. Matthew 25:23 best captures this time for Rita: "Well done good and faithful servant ? enter into the joy of your master." Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10. Services will be held Thursday, December 11 at 2 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, interment in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com www.mercer-adams.com