MAEDA, Maria Emilia (Rita)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Maria Emilia “Rita” Maeda, 87, of Miami, Ariz., passed away on Thursday, April 10, at Copper Mountain Inn, with her loving family by her side. She was born to Maria Ybarra on May 22, 1926, in Miami. Rita was the oldest of 13 children. She graduated from Miami High School and Gila County Pueblo College with an associate degree. Rita was a lifetime resident of Miami, and was a member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, St. Vincent de Paul, the church choir, and taught catecism for many years. Rita worked at Kelly’s Photograph, Bob’s U-Save and Marian Credit Union. She enjoyed playing her piano, taking pictures, drawing, painting, reading, and watching Western shows. Rita is survived by her sisters, Helen Garcia, Emilia (and Paul) Licano, Jovita “Jo” Medrano, of Miami, Lupe Corn, of Globe, Ariz., Betty Ramirez, of Miami, Mary Fierro, of Mesa, Ariz, Nettie Medrano, of Claypool, Ariz, and a brother, Pat (and Helen) Medrano, of Globe. She was preceded in death by her mother, Maria Y. Medrano; brothers, Elias Y. (Rachel) Garcia, Joe Y. Garcia, and Frankie Medrano; sister, Encarnacion “Chonita” Garcia; brother-in-law, Frankie Ramirez, and nephew, Joe Luis Garcia. Services were held Monday, April 21, 2014, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Miami. Interment was in Mt. Breeze Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Bulman Miles Funeral Services-Miami. Rita’s guestbook my be signed at www.Bulmanmiles.com.