Rita and her husband, Gene, followed their only grandkids from Ohio to Phoenix in 2006. Through the influence of her spiritual mentor, Rita has a great love for the Word, especially the Old Testament. After years of being a part of women's Bible studies over several decades, Rita launched CONNECT, the women's ministry at MPCC, and found that to help fulfill her passion to see women grow in Biblical literacy and intimate relationship with God and other women.

You're an Arizona native, right?
I was born in Kentucky before WWII. Was AZ a state then?

What would be your ideal getaway for you and your friends?
Spending a week with my three best friends (the Real Magnolias) at one of their homes in Naples, FL is my favorite getaway.

What's the largest event you've hosted?
The reception after our daughter's wedding to a Canadian was the largest event I've ever hosted.

After walking with Jesus for many years, what would you say is your favorite thing about him?
My favorite thing about Jesus is that He knows all the secret things.