Rita Taylor

04/22/49 – 11/11/25

Rita Celeste Taylor passed away on the evening of November 11, 2025, with her husband, Michael Taylor, by her side. She was 76 years old.

Rita was born on April 22, 1949, in Webster City, Iowa, to Charles and Mary Ryan. She grew up with her sisters, Marcia and Judy, and brother, Harold “Mick” Ryan. Rita graduated from Webster City High School in 1967 and married her first husband, Harold Peterson, one year later. After Harold joined the Navy, the couple moved to San Diego, a city Rita would call home for the rest of her life. Together, Rita and Harold welcomed two children, Harold “Pete” Peterson, Jr. and Leslie Peterson. Rita later married Carl Clem.

Rita built a career she was deeply proud of. She was hired by the Pacific Bell Telephone Company as a toll operator and quickly advanced through the ranks, ultimately working in management as a Network Translations Group Supervisor. She enjoyed 27 years with the phone company before being recruited by an outside vendor, where she worked from home as a Senior Data Analyst for another 17 years.

Above all, Rita loved spending time with her family. She especially loved her children and grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with her grandkids who grew up nearby in San Diego. Throughout her life, Rita enjoyed reading murder mystery books, working crossword puzzles, watching movies, and spending time with her sister, Marcia, and her childhood best friend, Linda Lundy. Rita and Linda, who grew up together in Webster City, remained close for decades and even traveled to Jamaica together.

Rita is survived by her husband, Michael, after sharing 34 years together. They met while working for the phone company. Michael asked Rita to go skiing with him, an invitation that marked the beginning of their life together and years of shared season ski passes. She is also survived by her daughter, Leslie, grandchildren Ashlee, Dylan, Matthew, and Morgan, great-grandson Felix, and stepson Aaron. Rita will be missed by her sister Marcia, who lovingly helped care for her in her final days alongside Michael and Aaron. She will be remembered for her dry humor, hugs, and dedication to her family and career.