Rita Meraz, 90, of Canadian, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, in Canadian. Mass will be 1 pm, Friday, October 27, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canadian with Rev. Marco Antonio Gonzalez officiating. Burial will follow in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian. Rosary will be cited at 6 pm, Wednesday, October 25, at the funeral home.

Rita was born November 1, 1932, in Durango, Mexico, to Loreto Antunez and Guadalupe Urquizu. She married Pilar Meraz on February 14, 1952, in Mexico. In 1981, Rita and Pilar traveled to Texas with their family and made Canadian their home. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and loved her church dearly. Rita enjoyed cooking, singing, knitting, and dancing. She also loved traveling and going on walks. Rita had a very large family that she loved deeply. Christmas season at her house was extremely special to her. She enjoyed her family coming together and participating in the nativity and traditions. Her one rule: EVERYONE had to participate. Family and faith were important to her. Rita left lessons to her family about unity, being humble and kind, helping others, respect, and the biggest one being faith. Rita’s greatest blessings were her children and all her grandchildren. Anyone who entered her house would never leave without her blessing. Rita served her Lord until she was called home.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; two sisters; three brothers; and her grandson, Eric Meraz.

Survivors include her husband, Pilar Meraz; children, Juan Meraz and wife Severina, Rita Castro and husband Pancho, Romy Ruiz and husband Lino, Jose Meraz and wife Dora, Lupita Duenes and husband Raymundo, Maria Medrano and husband Alfredo, Jesse Meraz and wife Norma, Tony Meraz and wife Nina, and Rick Meraz and wife Amanda; 30 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Antonia Antunez.