MARY KATHERINE RHETTA

Mary Katherine Rhetta was the first born of six children to Thelma Quinn and Raymond Quinn in
Huntsville, Missouri on May 6, 1934.  
At age 18, Mary traveled to California, where she met her future husband, James Rhetta. The two
married in August of 1952, and spent 72 beautiful years together. They raised three children: Janice,
James Jr., and Alice. 
Mary dedicated herself to providing opportunities for her children that she did not get to experience
herself, whether that was loading up the camper van for trips to national parks, enrolling them in Girl
and Boy Scouts, or planning repeated visits to the bookmobile to instill a love of reading. She had a soft
spot for stray animals and cared for the cats, parakeets, and other pets that she welcomed into her
home. Mary channeled a desire to help others through her volunteer work as a Pink Lady at Paradise
Valley Hospital. She was a cherished member of the Christ United Presbyterian Church.
Mary and James indulged in a love of travel that led them on trips to Alaska, New Orleans, Mexico, and
parks across the country. Together they fished, camped, and enjoyed jazz festivals. When not traveling,
Mary enthusiastically enjoyed playing bingo at local casinos.
One of the most joyous times of Mary’s life was the arrival of her six grandchildren. She was an
exceptionally loving and doting grandmother who took such pride and delight in her grandchildren,
never missing an opportunity to remind them that “you are precious.” She may have mixed up
everyone’s names (including the great-grand dogs and cats), though we always knew exactly who she
meant, and how much she loved each of us. 
Mary lived a long life caring for her family and her community. She gave so much, and we will all miss
and love her forever.
 

Mary is survived by her husband James Rhetta, children Janice Rhetta Johnson (Bob Johnson), James Rhetta Jr. (Millicent Rhetta), Alice Rhetta-Smith (Wayne Smith), grandchildren Marissa Tirado (Jack Tirado), Jordan Johnson, Alanna Smith, Aaron Rhetta, Cameron Johnson, and Adam Rhetta, siblings Shirley Rostodha, Marilyn Quinn, Sharon Bass (Preston Bass), and Lloyd Quinn, nieces Sheri Rostodha
and Karen Rostodha Bonner (Reginald Bonner), great-niece Isabella Bonner, and numerous beloved family
members and friends. 

Service will be streamed live on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@christunitedpresbyteriansa4685

There will be a private internment for family only following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the San Diego Humane Society, Oceanside Campus Foster Program.

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