Rita Elsie Graves of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at the age of 89 years. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Sheila (Ming) Wong and Carol (Tim) McDermid; grandchildren, Breanna Wong, Matthew (Sydney) Wong, Alexander McDermid and Cameron (Kassi) McDermid; as well as her sister-in-law, Joan Graves. She was predeceased by her husband, Keith Graves, in 2013; parents, Eric and Emma Ziehran; her son, Eric, in 1979; and her brother-in-law, Bob Graves. Rita was born and raised in Medicine Hat. Following her graduation from high school, she attended the University of Alberta where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, graduating in 1956. She began her career as a Nursing instructor at the Medicine Hat Hospital. It was during this time that she met Keith. They married in 1959, and shortly after started their family. They were blessed with three children and Rita delighted in being a mother. After raising her family, Rita returned to Nursing, retiring in 2002. She remained in touch with her Nursing classmates throughout her life. Rita and Keith enjoyed each other’s company and spent their time together making wine, gardening, and camping. Rita and Keith also travelled extensively during their retirement years with trips to Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Europe, South America, Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti and the Caribbean Islands. Rita was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where she played the organ for the German Service and German Choir for over 40 years. Rita will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 758 - 8th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 from 12:00 to 12:55 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by joining the live webcast at youtube.com/@st.peterlutheranmedicineha at the above date and time. Memorial gifts in Rita’s memory may be made to the St. Peter Memorial Fund. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Rita Graves.