Rita R. Merklein, 83, of Crisfield, went to be with the Lord Monday, June 5, 2017 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Baltimore on January 10, 1934 and was a graduate of Crisfield High School. She was the secretary for many years for the Somerset County Commissioners Office.

Rita enjoyed BINGO, traveling, shopping, eating out, going to Ocean Downs, and spending time with her friends, family, and especially her husband. She also had a great love for Crisfield and proudly admitted to having "marsh mud between her toes". She attended Christ Fellowship Bible Church in Marion.

A loving wife and mother, she is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Jack Lee Merklein of Crisfield; and her son, Jack Lee Merklein, Jr. and wife Betsy Sterling Merklein of Manassas, VA.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Molly Schifres Keiser.

A memorial service will be Friday, June 9, 2017 at 11 AM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where a visitation will be from 10:30 until 11 AM. The Rev. Stephen S. Willing will officiate. Urn interment will be at a later date in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are requested to be made to a charity of one's choice.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com