Zuda Louise Rash

Zuda Louise Rash passed away peacefully on March 15, 2013 at the home of her son in Fallbrook with her son and daughter at her side. She was 89 years old at the time of her passing.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, William A. Rash, Sr. in 2007; daughter, Susan Mee in 2012; and grandson, Todd Mee in 2009.

Zuda was born on September 17, 1923 in Rocky Crest, Kentucky, the youngest of six children. She spent her childhood in Middletown, Ohio and after graduating from high school moved to Long Beach, Calif.

She met her husband, Bill, on a blind date during the war and it was love at first sight; they were married on February 3, 1945. After raising their children while living in the Garden Grove and Mission Viejo areas, they located to their 20 acre avocado grove dream home in Fallbrook in 1975. They returned to Mission Viejo in 2006 where they lived in the Palmia retirement community.

While living in Fallbrook, Zuda was a “Pink Lady” at Fallbrook Hospital for several years, a member of the Fallbrook Newcomer’s Club and a member of the Fallbrook Presbyterian Church. She was an avid reader, a gracious hostess, loved travel with a special affection for England, gardening, and being with family.

Zuda is survived by her son and daughter in-law, William A. Jr. and Diana Rash of Fallbrook; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Garry Nelson of Lake Forest, and son-in-law Charles Mee of Mission Viejo. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Zachary Mee, Jeff Mee, Katie (Russ) Accardi, Jodee (Paul) Ford, Will (Jill) Rash, Heather (Eli) Billings, Erica Nelson, and Nick Nelson, and eight great-grandchildren, Jake, Savannah, Bobby and Gracie Ford, Kaylee and Aidan Accardi, and Benjamin Rash and Baby Rash due in April, and her beloved West Highland terrier Corky.

She is loved and remembered for her never failing devotion and support of her family. Her dignity and sense of humor continued throughout her four month long struggle. She will be greatly missed, and forever be in our hearts.

Zuda’s family would like to thank all of those who helped with her care during these few months however there are not enough words to thank Christian Arranz of Temecula, her devoted caregiver.

A memorial is planned for Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. at the O’Connor Chapel in Laguna Hills, with a graveside service following at El Toro Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation or the National Parkinson Foundation.