Rita Joyce Mella's Obituary
Rita Joyce Mella of San Bernardino, CA passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on October 7, 1931, in Cashton, Wisconsin. She had one younger brother, Wayne Dahl. Rita grew up on the family farm in Cashton, Wisconsin. Rita was the second person in the world to take Sulphur to treat Scarlett fever. She moved to Beverly Hills, CA at 18 years of age, where she was a successful restaurant manager, meeting many Hollywood stars.
She married Major Ralph Mella, who served in the United States Army. They had a daughter Rochelle Mella. The family moved to Abilene, Texas and had daughter Rene Mella and son Robert Mella. The family moved to San Bernardino, CA in July1966 when Major Ralph Mella was sent to Vietnam. Rita lost her husband in July 1977.
Rita opened a successful Wallpaper business. Rita has hung wallpaper in numerous hospitals, doctor offices, restaurants and residences all over San Bernardino and surrounding cities. She loved to garden in her yard. Rita had an enormous heart and always would help those in need with donations or a good home cooked meal. Everyone was welcome!
She was preceded in death by her parents Joy and Victoria Dahl; her husband Major Ralph Mella; and her daughter Rene Joy Mella.
She is survived by daughters Gigi Coker of Dallas, Texas, Vicki Dillingham (Steve) of San Diego, Concetta of Alaska, Bernadette of Nevada, and Rochelle Mella of Petaluma; son Robert Mella (Summer Neel) of San Bernardino; grandsons Zachery Mella (Danielle), Avery and Alex; granddaughters Annie, Nancy, Deb, Stacy and Monroe; nephews Jack Dahl (deceased) of Wisconsin and Scott Dahl of Wisconsin; nieces Cynthia Dahl of Beverly Hills, Kathy Dahl of Wisconsin and Debbie Dahl of Wisconsin; and many, many friends.
Services will be Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm. Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, CA. Graveside Service at 1:30 pm at Mt. View Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, CA.
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