Hill, Rita J., 62, of Lithia, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2008 in her home surrounded by family and friends. Born November 1, 1945 in Queens, NY to Fred and Rita Mergl, she grew up in Cambria Heights, NY and moved to Spring Hill, FL in 1993. She later moved to Lithia, FL to be near family. Rita received bachelor's and master's degrees from St. John's University, and a PD in Education Administration from C.W. Post, Long Island. She taught Elementary-High School for 26 years before her retirement. Rita loved to grow orchids, cook, work needlepoint and dote on her grandson. Her fondest memory, shared only days before her passing, was of picking blueberries as a child with her Grandmother Anna on Montauk Point. She is survived by her husband of 36 years Bernard, her daughter Aubrey (Matthew) Primrose of Ruskin; sons Daniel of Tupelo, MS and Edward of Lithia, FL; grandson Matthew Primrose, Jr.; and sister Anna (Robert) Rhoades of Scottsdale, AZ. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10a.m.-12p.m. with services to follow at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Riverview, FL. Memorial donations can be made to LifePath Hospice or ACS.