Rita Mae Dodds

OBITUARY

Rita Mae (Harris) Dodds

April 24, 1932 - August 6, 2025



Our beloved mother Rita Mae Dodds, returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on August 6, 2025, at her home in Redlands, CA surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. She was 93 years old.

Rita Mae Harris was born on April 24, 1932, in Santa Ana, CA to parents George Wesley Harris and Opal Caldonia Harris. She had one sibling a brother George Ronald Harris. During World War II, she moved with her family several times, living in Irvine, North Long Beach, Cartago, National City, and Northridge. After the war her family moved to Granada hills in the San Fernando Valley where she attended Canoga Park High School switching her senior year to Van Nuys High School where she graduated. I guess you could say Rita was one of the original "Valley Girls."

Rita met her eternal companion, David Deloy Dodds, on the steamboat to Catalina Island while dad was in the Navy. Dave asked her to dance at the Casino and she never danced with anyone else. They fell deeply in love and were married in the home of her parents, in Granada Hills, CA. They began their life together in Northridge CA and shortly thereafter bought a house in Granada Hills where they raised their young family consisting of three children: [Gary David Dodds, Linda Marie Dodds (Zambrano), and Karen Lynn Dodds (Hollingsworth)] before moving to Redlands in 1979.

Shortly after the birth of Linda, Rita embraced the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rita and Dave were sealed in the Los Angeles CA temple.

Rita has dedicated her life to her family and happily gave up a promising career in the aerospace industry to devote herself fully to her family, a decision that reflected her values and her faith. She was a devoted wife and mother, and she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a gifted seamstress, lovingly creating clothing, costumes, and accessories for her family. Even in her nineties, she sent handmade birthday cards to each grandchild and great-grandchild. Her home was a haven of love, laughter, and gospel living, filled with family gatherings, heartfelt conversations, and the simple joy of providing treats for her grandkids. Rita's wisdom, guidance, and loving spirit were a constant source of comfort to her family.

Rita's compassionate service in the church was legendary as evidenced by her serving as Relief Society president in three wards and as Stake Relief Society president in two stakes. Rita was always looking out for the women in need and making sure they were given proper care. She was loved by practically everyone who knew, and was associated, with her.

Rita loved the Temple and later in life she became a temple worker, with Dave, for many years in the Los Angeles CA Temple and later in the Redlands CA Temple where she served as long as she was physically able.

Rita is survived by her three children, twenty-three grandchildren, and forty-seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service to celebrate Rita's life and legacy will be held on September 5th at 10:00 AM at the LDS church located at 350 Wabash Avenue, Redlands CA, 92373 with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Following the service, Rita will be interred at the Riverside National Cemetery, located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518.