Rita M. Kilby, life of the party

Rita M. Kilby, 97, of Millsboro, passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Brandywine Senior Living in Selbyville; Brandywine has been her home for the past 12 years. She was much loved by all the residents, caregivers, and staff. All knew Rita as the smiling “greeter” on the loveseat in the reception area. She loved her people at Brandywine and all the activities, happy hours, and special events they planned. She was known for her dancing, karaoke, and sense of humor. She was the life of the party. She was very particular about her clothes, hair, jewelry, and shoes, and loved her glass of white wine or occasional highball.

Rita was born March 15, 1928, in Washington, D.C., daughter of Mary Catherine (O’Brien) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Alexander Jamieson Gray of Bathgate, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Rita was an avid reader, loved the adventure of travel, and animals, especially her dogs and her birds. She was very patriotic and loved celebrating the various holidays, and paying tribute to the veterans. She belonged to many of the local veteran organizations. She loved the theater and often participated in small productions at work and locally. She was a federal employee and worked at various clerical positions, but her favorite was with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Maryland before retiring to Millsboro.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Rita Jamieson-Gray of Lewes; and grandchildren, Ellen Allocca of Annapolis, Md., Brian Arnold of Pasadena, Md., Eric Arnold of Kennett Square, Pa., and Jennifer Soirees of Seaford; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Arnold; and daughter, Carolyn Arnold.

A private remembrance will be held by the family.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.