Rita M. Zana was born in Indiana. Her parents moved to Fort Lauderdale a little over 60 years ago where she grew up. She went to Lauderdale Manors Elementary school quickly making friends and it was there she was invited to attend Sunday School. It wasn’t long after that that the Lord touched her heart and she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her parents were so touched by their daughters salvation that they too came to know the Lord. As Rita continued to grow in the Lord she many times would speak of the peace she found in singing the songs and scripture verses that she learned as a little girl. At Fort Lauderdale High, Rita enjoyed home economics, chorus and working in the school office. Soon after her graduation she started working at Florida Power & Light. Rita was blessed with the ability to remember names and faces. She recognized Jim as one of her classmate’s although they never had any interaction together in high school. After light coaxing from co-workers she said hi to that shy young man. Little did she know that she was meeting her soon-to-be husband. Their’s was a whirlwind romance- the kind you see in movies. They thought they were adults but realized much later they were just two kids that fell totally in love with each other. In a short time they were married and soon afterwards Jim encouraged Rita to leave FP&L to be the executive homemaker. Through the years Rita went back to work several times to assist financially, once to buy a new van so they would have a camper to enjoy traveling, camping and fishing. Rita held several secretarial and bookkeeping jobs in three churches. But her greatest joy was to be a mom. She was a stay at home mom that advocated for her son Sean and took great care of her husband and their home. She loved to pray for the needs of others, to take care of her family, entertain, cook, sew and to be around people. They have been blessed to be a part of many churches over the years but her biggest joys have been serving for the last 30 years at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, where she has served in women’s ministry, in pre-marital classes, couples ministry, connect groups, or just along side of Jim welcoming people into church. She had an unbelievable ability to make people feel welcomed, accepted, loved and cared about. Her smile was contagious. People would say to her you must be feeling better because you look great. She was really not but she often said “I am good, the Joy of the Lord is my strength” and she shared it with everyone she came in contact with. Rita loved to spend time together with her husband of forty-seven and a half years, Jim, driving down the beach enjoying the beauty of Fort Lauderdale, making this the city they chose to live in. She was truly a blessing. A gift from God – Jim’s Proverbs 31 woman.
Rita is dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Jim and dear son Sean. Rita was predeceased by her parents Rex D. Morris and Joeann (Pearman) Morris. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 PM on Saturday July 8, at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.
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Veronica and David Dodson
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
Jim and Sean, you are in our prayers in this difficult time, maybthe Lord strengthen you both and keep you. David and Veronica.
Joey DeLucia (Coral Springs, FL)
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
So sorry for your loss. RIP Rita.
Erick Martin (Fort Lauderdale)
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
We miss you Rita.Praying for you Jim and Sean. Erick and Stephanie Martin
Jo-Ann Ruth Jarvis (Pompano Beach, Fl.)
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
Rita’s memory will always be a blessing! She loved befriending and taking others under her wings and guiding us with God’s Word. We traveled some of the same roads through life; from Lauderdale Manors Elementary School and on to Fort Lauderdale High School. She was a year ahead of me, but we sang at FLHS in the choir together. We also sang together on the benches at Calvary. Rita had a beautiful voice and a loving and kind spirit. She would welcome others into her home and share her gift of hospitality! Rita was so strong in her pain and suffering before the Master called her home… Rita, my sweet friend, save me a seat in the choir…
Lisa & Ron Smith (Pembroke Pines, Fl)
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
We are thankful to have known Rita. She was such an encouragement to us while pregnant with our 3rd child late in our marriage. She gave us great advice which we heeded and we knew that she was praying for us.
Paul and Stella Kelley (Bertram, Texas)
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
My she rest in peace in the Lords arms.
Debbie Sutton (BOCA RATON)
June 30, 2017, 12:00 am
I want to send my condolences and at the same time Rejoice in her going home. I know she will be missed but I pray God will comfort you and Sean through this time of mourning.
Al & Cookie Potenza
July 2, 2017, 12:00 am
Our deepest sympathies.
Dawn Mckendrick Montoya (Destin, FL)
July 2, 2017, 12:00 am
I’ll see you when I get there, Rita! We’ll have an eternity to get caught up! Love to you, Jim
John Loparo (Fort Lauderdale, florida)
July 2, 2017, 12:00 am
Jim and Sean, my deepest sympathy for your loss. It was an honor serving at Calvary with you and Rita. We will keep you all in our prayers. John and Debbie.
Bill & Sonja Sears (4251 NE 16th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334)
July 4, 2017, 12:00 am
Jim, Sonja and I offer our sincerest condolences on the passing of your wife Rita. We are up here in Ohio for the summer and will pray for you and your family. We will get together, when I get back in Oakland Park in October. Take care my friend.
Rob Latimer (Sunrise)
July 5, 2017, 12:00 am
She will now be doing working with the Lord. God bless her on her new journey.
Katherine Tim
July 6, 2017, 12:00 am
Dearest Jim & Sean, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love & Blessings, Katherine
Ruth & Bob Drews (Coral Springs)
July 6, 2017, 12:00 am
Jim and Sean I know that Rita is smiling down on all of us. We can’t wait to join her! I thoughts and prayers are with you both and we’re always here to support you in any way! Love – Bob and Ruth
Naida Fuentes
July 7, 2017, 12:00 am
Praying God’s peace and comfort fills your hearts with joyous memories of having been blessed with Rita in your lives You are in my prayers.
Kathleen M. Casey (Oakland Park Florida)
July 7, 2017, 12:00 am
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Jim and Sean on the passing of Rita. Rita (along with Jim) was the perfect neighbor to us for many years. She was always kind and helpful and put up with the occasional antics of my growing boys. I know she will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
The Davies Family (Sunrise, Florida)
July 8, 2017, 12:00 am
I will never forget your kind-hearted and patient spirit. You were always calming and soft spoken and ready with words of Inspiration. It was truly a Blessing to work alongside you and you will surely be missed. May you enjoy all of your hard work and devotion by being called Home. Our Deepest sympathy and condolences to you Jim and Sean. May you find Peace and Comfort in Knowing that she was loved by many. RIP Rita
D. Minger
July 9, 2017, 12:00 am
Rita’s mom & dad adopted me so I adopted the family. Rita loved her family so much & was a wonderful mentor to all, just like her mom for women & couples. She & Jim were always kind & thoughtful. Rita you left an imprint on my heart. Jim & Sean my thoughts & prayers are with you. Rita you may be gone, but never forgotten.