Rita Edna Lutz

Rita Edna Lutz, 66, of Diamondhead, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl Joseph, Sr. and Mary Geneva Moran, her husband of 31 years, Gregory John Lutz, and their infant daughter, Kaitlyn Amy Lutz.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Kristin and Judd Darrow of Walnut Creek, CA, Natalie and Alex Brown of Richmond, VA, and Stephanie and Branden Witt of Ixworth, England; grandchildren Ainsley, Harrison and Savannah Brown and Bennett and Asher Darrow; and siblings, Helen Teachout (Bill), Dr. Carl J. Moran Jr. (Jackie), Lowell Moran (Sue), Warren Moran (Alyce), Dr. Frances Gordy, Barbara Westerfield (Woody), and Sen. Philip Moran (Sheila), as well as many nieces, nephews and other family members.
Edna was born on January 8, 1948, in Silver Creek, MS, and moved with her family in 1953 back to their home in Kiln. She grew up in a strong, loving, faith-filled family who believed that education could change a person's life. After graduating from Hancock North Central High School, Edna continued her education at Pearl River Junior College. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English and began her teaching career at Bay St. Louis Jr High.
On June 16, 1973, Edna married the love her life, Gregory Lutz from Rockford, IL, and in 1974 they moved to Gulfport. Edna began teaching at Harrison Central High School that fall, and in later years became the Chair of the English Department. She also served as an adjunct composition and literature instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Edna and Greg passed on their strong Catholic faith to their three daughters, whose Catholic education was a top priority. Each daughter followed in her father's footsteps by earning an ROTC Scholarship, graduating from a Catholic college, and serving in the military.
Edna believed that education was a lifelong process and earned Masters and Specialist degrees from USM and attained National Board Certification in English Language Arts. Edna's teaching skills and her love for her students set thousands of them on a path to achieve goals that they could not have otherwise dreamed possible.
Following the death of her beloved husband, Edna moved to Diamondhead. After she retired, she enjoyed a busy life participating in many clubs, organizations and interest groups. She also became a grandmother to five beautiful children, a role she loved more than any other. Edna cherished her girls and her grandchildren and doted on them as only a grandparent can do.
Visitation will be Friday, November 14th from 6-9pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln-Delisle Rd and on Saturday, November 15th from 10-11am at Annunciation Catholic Church, Kiln. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am followed by a graveside services and interment at the Moran Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Edna requested donations be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Building Fund and Annunciation Catholic Church.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com