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Random Acts of Rita

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Rita Turner was a woman who never met a stranger, laughed often, and loved deeply. She would embrace a stranger with a hug, be the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and always parted ways with a huge smile and leaving whoever she was with feeling encouraged, seen, and loved.

Rita was a beloved wife, mother, granny, aunt and friend to many. She was someone we could count on at The Torch, not just to volunteer, but to provide games, prizes, laughter, and love to all she encountered. Whether she was jumping in the inflatable bounce house at our Carnival for a Cause, manning a water station at a 5k, or playing games with children at a back to school event - Rita had a gigantic smile on her face and a warmth about her presence that made people want to linger.

Throughout her life, Rita was a living example of God's love. She was one of those rare individuals who not only saw a suffering individual and moved on, or not only saw a suffering individual and prayed, but Rita saw the suffering individual, prayed, and took action to help. She was a true good Samaritan. It's only fitting that she should be remembered, and her example of love should be imitated by Christ-followers everywhere.  

We were best buds since we were 5 years old....she had such a zest for life...we have been through thick and thin together, hard times and good times...she knew me 50 years, she never judged me, she just loved me."  Linda Sokaly 
Rhonda shares about Random Acts of Rita
Rhonda & Sarah share a bit about their friend, Rita
 Shortly after my Grandma Ruddle passed away, someone told me that they did not have a single bad word to say about her and that she was always kind to everyone she encountered. I have often reflected on that, and thought what a rare person one must be to have only brought about kindness and love to others. Rita Turner is that person for me. Every single encounter I ever had with her was filled with laughter, positivity, encouragement and love. I not only do not have a single bad thing to say about her, I do not have a single bad memory with her. Rita was a conduit for love, relationships, and someone that brought people from all walks of life together. She did not do acts of kindness - she embodied kindness. My life is better for having known her. I am a better person for having witnessed her example of selfless service and  unconditional love to all others.
​Sarah Ruddle

In honor of Rita Turner:

Rita’s friends refer to her selfless acts of generosity as “random acts of Rita.” It wasn’t uncommon for Rita to volunteer her time, talent, and money to local charities. Rita was the first to bring food to the sick, to help the homeless, and to serve those in need - always without judgment and with a warm welcoming smile.

To continue the example Rita set for all of us, we, at the Torch, are setting up a fund that will be used to continue her work of helping others as needs arise. When a need arises and money is available in this fund, gift cards to local groceries stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc. will be purchased and given to help meet the need of our neighbors.

Donations have been made in memory of Rita by the following individuals:

  • Linda Russo
  • Kathy Willey
  • Heather and Randy Mannor
  • Karen Sloan
  • Marilyn Vandenberg
  • Sylvia Funni
  • Lori Nimmo
  • Larry Penzien
  • Vanessa Estrellado
  • Sara Smith
  • Karen Childs
  • Scott Bykowski​
  • Julie Walker
  • Michael Andrews
  • Renee Delia
  • Rachel Nelson
  • Cathy Nelson
  • Valerie Hauessler
  • Mary Beth Potrykus 
  • Linda Sokaly
  • Caron Prinzing
  • Shelly Maynard
  • Paul Goble
  • Sandra Stockel
  • Garron Currier
  • Scott Waroquier
  • Elisa Bidus
  • Kim Phillips
  • The Torch
  • How We Got Started
  • CA Expansion
  • Who We Are
  • Random Acts of Rita
  • Torch 180
  • Free recipes
  • Building of the Food Truck
  • FAQ
  • Catering
  • Pictures
  • FREE Meals
  • Donate
  • Vlog
  • Get Involved