Rita Ann Stanley

Rita Ann Stanley, aged seventy-five, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born to William and Rita Stapleton. Rita was raised in Brooklyn and Stony Brook, NY. She earned a Bachelors degree of the College of Mount Saint Vincent, her Juris Doctor degree at Southwestern Law School, and a Masters at St. Mary’s University. Rita married John Stanley on June 15, 1985, in La Canada Flintridge in Los Angeles County, CA.

Throughout her career, Rita was dedicated to helping people. She was Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office from 1978-88. In that position, she headed the Child Abuse unit. From 1990-92, she was the Deputy Director in the Office of Criminal Justice Planning in the California Governor’s office. Later, she worked as Deputy District Attorney in both Amador and Lassen counties in California. After a career change and a move to San Antonio, Rita became an educator, working from 2002-2004 at Medina Valley High School and from 2004-2015 at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas. She taught Advanced Placement courses in English and Government. In both law and education, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her clients and students.

Rita and her husband traveled the world. They had a child in Glendale, CA, planted a vineyard in El Dorado County, CA, and lived in the United Kingdom for two years. After moving to Texas, Rita took care of her mother and became involved with Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She led the environmental committee and was a director for multiple ACTS retreats. After retiring, she moved with John to Southern Colorado, where she worked once-a-week as a municipal court judge. They moved to the Cleveland area in 2021.

Friends will remember Rita best by her quick wit, caring advice, and colorful stories. Rita is survived by her husband, John; son, Justin; siblings William, John, Margaret, and Claire; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.