Rita Darlene (Murry) Ansley, born March 28, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Clarence and Willie Ethel Murry, passed away on August 11, 2025, in San Diego, California—a city she called home for over six decades.
In 1961, Rita’s family relocated from Houston to San Diego, where she blossomed as the eldest of four children. She was a steady guide and protective presence, especially to her brother Andre E. Hardy. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters; Charyl Elaine Murry Dixon and Linda Kaye Murry Owens, and her grandmother Lillian Hardeman.
A proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Rita built lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for a life marked by faith, resilience, and service. Early in life, she shared a union with Leroy Baton Wesley Fountain, with whom she had two sons: Patrick Wayne Fountain and Reginald Anthony Fountain. On August 24, 1980, she married the late Booker Terry Ansley, with whom she shared a deep bond.
Rita was a woman of unwavering faith and an active member of the 31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her spiritual life was rich and outward-facing—she evangelized with joy, prayed with power, and served with compassion. Whether worshiping, feeding the homeless, or simply offering a kind word, Rita reflected the love of Christ in all she did.
She was an avid reader of scripture and Christian literature, deepening her walk with God and sharing that wisdom freely. Her radiant spirit, warm smile, and gentle presence left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know her. Rita had the rare gift of making others feel seen, heard, and loved.
She was preceded in death by her son Patrick Fountain and husband Booker Ansley.
She leaves behind her son Reginald Anthony Fountain and his wife Delicia, grandchildren; Reginald “RJ” Nathanael Liam, Andriana Sierra Aiyanna, Armond, Jaden, Ashley, and Malcom, brother Andre Hardy and his wife JoAnna, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends.
Rita’s life was a light—a testament to faith, love, and service. As Proverbs 31:26 reminds us: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Her legacy endures in the hearts and lives she touched.
