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Grace Rita Rodgers Twaddell, 95, of Turlock, passed away suddenly Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Samaritan Village in Hughson, CA. Rita and her husband, Miles Edmiston Twaddell, moved to Turlock in 1971 and had just recently moved to Samaritan Village. Born October 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, to Grace Connolly Rodgers and William James Rodgers, Rita was a graduate of Caldwell College for Women in Caldwell, New Jersey (1946). Rita and Miles were wed on May 21, 1948 and Rita began her married life as a Navy wife. She was active in her church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Turlock, CA. She delivered communion and was also an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She was a member of AAUW and the Turlock Book Club. Rita and Miles were also avid travelers, journeying extensively throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Rita raised four children while living in various places around the United States. There was always another move to make, another Navy base to become familiar with, and new schools to find. She is survived by her loving husband, Miles and her children: Miles Twaddell (Jo) of Los Lunas, New Mexico; Karen Twaddell of Tustin, CA; William Twaddell of Japan and Marita Della Rosa (Robert) of Salinas, CA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Colleen Ausmus (Matt) of Santa Ana, CA; Christopher Anderson of Salinas, CA; Benjamin Della Rosa of Sacramento, CA; Erin Estrada (Daniel) of Salinas, CA; Miles' children: Beth, Miles Patrick, Katie and Nora; William's children: Andrew and Libby Blossom; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen Rodgers of Caldwell, New Jersey and brother, William Rodgers of Union, New Jersey. Her sister, Ruth Rodgers Stevens of Vista, CA, preceded Rita in death. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1200 Lyons Ave., Turlock. Rita's ashes will be interred at the City of Monterey Cemetery in Monterey, CA. Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 - "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

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Grace Rita Twaddell

October 27, 1924 - December 12, 2019