Rita Byer Obituary

Rita Ross Byer

Rita Ross Byer, aka "Grandma Beka," loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, has peacefully moved on to join her family and rest in heaven. Rita was born in 1927 in Los Angeles, CA, and was a graduate of St. John's School of Nursing in Springfield, Il. Rita's generous and caring spirit made her fit to help those in need, and she enjoyed a long career as a nurse and volunteer in many capacities. She was a member of the New Horizons community, and enjoyed being active, playing cards, and socializing with her dear friends. She was devoted in her Catholic faith, and was a dedicated member of Saint Lawrence Martyr Parish in Redondo Beach for many years. Rita was a loyal friend, genuine nurturer, and she became our angel in February of 2012 in Redondo Beach, CA. She was a treasure to many, and will be remembered for her warmth and her kind soul. Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Clare and Warren Ross; and her brother, Eugene and Warren Ross. Rita is survived by her daughter, Jaimie Gierlich Mock (Craig); her sons, James Ross Gierlich and Kurt Eugene Gierlich (Laurissa); her granddaughers, Gretchen Mock Momberg (Andy), Natalie Mock (Jesse Nichols), and Heidi Mock; her great-grandchildren Olivia Momberg, Luke Momberg and Avalon Nichols; her dearest friend and sister-in-law, Marge Dorman (Jack); and many beloved family members and friends. Rita's family is grateful for the support of her loved ones and community, and ask that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association http://www.alz.org/. Services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery at 10am on Saturday, March 3. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

Published by Daily Breeze from Feb. 26 to Mar. 2, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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To the Byer Family-
As my sisters have indicated, we are so sorry for your loss. Indeed, your mom was a very dear and gracious lady that was always thinking about others. Whenever I would arrive to visit my mom, Rita would always try to excuse herself to allow my mom and I private time to visit. I would encourage her to stay and enjoyed the times together when she would.
Although it is a difficult time, we have all been given the peace that passes understanding knowing that our mothers are in our Lord's presence and loving care.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May the peace of God continue to provide you His peace and comfort.
Yours in Christ,
Steve & Patricia Hassoldt

March 3, 2012

Dear Jaimie and family - I am so sorry to hear about your mom - my mom and your mom were GREAT roommates - they got along so well and I believe they brought joy and peace to each other while they roomed together at Silverado. I know this is a very difficult time - we loved our moms so much and will dearly miss them. We are blessed to have had such loving moms and so many dear memories of them...... Sincerely, Jan Tamble

Jan Tamble

March 1, 2012

Rita was beautiful inside and out- just a sweet, good hearted, kind woman who graced this world. I know she is at peace and reunited with her dear parents & brother. It's perfect that she can now be an angel for her earthly family. God bless you all as you say goodbye to your mother and Bica.

Bonnie

March 1, 2012

Dear Jaimie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Rita. She was a wonderful roommate for our Mom and they were so caring for each other, always watching out for the other one. I certainly understand what you are going thru after losing our Mom the month before. I know they are both with the Lord and watching over their families as we all struggle with the losses of our Mom's. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I send my thanks to you and your family for sharing your Mom with our Mom and with us. I know she will be missed. Love, Nikki LeBrun (Liz Hassoldt's daughter)

March 1, 2012

Rita was a neighbor at New Horizons Condominium for many years and was always a pleasure to see and to talk with.

Jim Labor

March 1, 2012

Dear Jaimie, Jimmer and Kurt ~ Such sweet memories I have of your mother and you. How blessed you are to be her children. Masses and prayers are offered for you all. I love you, Aunt Pat

March 1, 2012

Dearest Jaimie, Jimmer & Kurt, Our heartfelt condolances go out to all of you. Aunt Rita will be truly missed. There are so many memories that I have of her and will cherish them always. She was a very beautiful and special lady, and forever more a very beautiful special angel in heaven watching over you and yours. May joyous memories fill the void in your hearts. She will always be with you. Our love, Tia, Tony, Anthony & Nico (Thor)

Tia DiGenova

February 29, 2012

Jaimie, James, and Kurt ~ I'll always treasure the memories of spending the night at your house on Anza with Aunt Rita! It was always an adventure! May you all be comforted that Aunt Rita is in heaven with her family. You all have a very special guardian angel watching over you. Prayers and thoughts being sent your way ~ Hugs and Love ~ Patti and Warren

February 27, 2012

I met Rita a couple years ago. It was like we have known her for a longer period of time. She had a very kind and compassionate heart toward others. I enjoyed her sense of humor also. She will greatly be missed.

Lori McDannold
Janice Randall's daughter

February 27, 2012

I met Rita while she was a resident at Silverado Beach Cities. She and my mother, Janice Randall, became friends and then roommates. She was always kind and gentle and had a wonderful sense of humor. My mother misses her greatly as do I.

Nancy Del Riego

February 26, 2012

I met Rita while working at San Pedro Community Hospital. We were nurses in Case Management together. We became friends. I enjoyed her shy sense of humor and her intelligence. She was a kind person and we enjoyed our lunches and times together. I will miss her.

Genevieve Burchfield

February 26, 2012

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