Rita Torres (Trujillo) Mejia was born in Filmore, California on May 22, 1927 to parents Lorenzo and Victoriana Trujillo; the eldest of 9 children. She was the first to marry, accepting a proposal from a dashing Marine, Manuel (Eddie) Mejia, on their first date. They married on December 26, 1948 in Cutler, California, and spent the next 62 years building a family legacy to be proud of. Rita was a devout Catholic, a hard worker and caring matriarch. "Your kids will do what they see and not what you say." Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; and her parents. She is survived by her children, Lily Alvarez (Will), John (Diane), Robert (Melinda), Gerald (Linda), Teresa, Joey, and James (Marlene); 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild on the way. Rita passed away October 13, 2018 in Bakersfield, California. A viewing will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Therese's Catholic Church in Shafter on Friday, October 19, 2018 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with interment following at Shafter Memorial Park, Father Walter Colocho will officiate.