I am friend of Rita's from High School. When I learned of her passing I was stunned because I did not know she had recurring bouts of cancer. I loved her then and thought of her often in the past 21 years since I last saw her. I have kept memories of her from artifacts of our high school and junior college days.   
Rita will live my heart, as her spirit and love of laugh, and arts are stronger than life itself.
Jeanie from California