LINCOLN - Rita E. Merritt, 80, of Lincoln, formerly of Norwood, Pa., passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2014 in Milford. Mrs. Merritt was born in Chester, Pa. the daughter of the late Thomas E. and Josephine (Yuknevich) Burke. Rita worked as a waitress and retired from Lehman's Tavern in 1985. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charles; one son, Daniel and his wife Linda; one grandson, Justin; and siblings, Danny Burke, Rose Marie Rautio, Betty Ann Koss, Mary Lou Mongiello and Kathleen Spicola. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2014 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Ave. in Milford, with a viewing from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the church. Committal services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Edgewood Memorial Park, Glen Mills, Pa. In lieu of flowers contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. You will find the full obituary on www.loflandandmcknatt.com. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.