Rita Mary Martella

Rita Martella, 96, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014.  She was born in Pianezza, Switzerland to Pietro and Erminia Solari and was one of four siblings.  She immigrated to the United States in 1927 with her parents, brother and sister, residing in Patterson, CA for a short time, and then in Hughson, CA.  In 1939, she married her husband, Ted Martella, and resided in Modesto.  Rita was a housewife and mother to three loving, dedicated girls, who looked after her daily.  She was a member of Calvary Temple until she moved into Bethel in 2012 where she attended Bethel services.  She died peacefully at Bethel Retirement Community.  She is survived by three daughters: Delores Olson (Ed), Diane Evans (Leroy), & Denise Kroll (Jim); one sister, Bruna Martella; 3 grandchildren, Mike Evans (Holly), Dana Ackland (Sam), Bobby Jensen (Ashley); 4 great-grandchildren: Tyler Evans, Max Ackland, Edison Jensen and Paige Jensen; and nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Martella; brothers, Sergio Solari and David Solari; and great-granddaughter, Christina Evans.  Special thanks to the staff at Bethel Retirement Community for their dedicated care to our mother.  Private graveside services.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a
charity of your choice
.