I met Rizza when I was 13, and I'm now 15. I had just come out as Trans and they were the first to give me a haircut. I loved what they did and it looked amazing. I soon learned that they had a talent for art, so I asked them for help with my artwork in class. They are the reason that I passed 9th grade art with a B instead of failing. I am shocked to know that they are gone, but I'm also a little happy that they won't be feeling the pain of losing a child now. I've heard it's one of the hardest things to do, and as much as I'll miss them, I'm glad they aren't in pain. To their family, I wish you all the best of luck and hope things get better for your family...

 I went to the memorial yesterday.  I couldn't go up to the casket. Even at a glance, It did not look like the person I remembered. I wanted to remember them the way they were in my mind. Rizza and my daughter had a close relationship growing up and I knew them as a young person finding their way in life. I wished for them to have a good life going forward just like I did my own child.  As they both grew to adulthood there were many challenges and adversities in life. They conquered so much of them. In their journey finding their happiness they made beautiful relationships and a lovely child and succeeded in business.  I was happy to know this. Now, in the end, whatever it was that took them from us, it is truly a tragedy that such a beautiful and incomparable person will no longer be with us. I feel sadness for their family, their friends, my daughter, and me.

Our hearts are aching, the loss of Rizza is a loss of color.  Even in the very few times we met, they helped us and grew us.   They loved well! Elizabeth and I are better humans because we had a moment in time with them! For those who knew them well, the grief is immense because the love was powerful and true.  Rest in love Rizza! 

Rizza, 

When I heard the news, I was in disbelief. I had just been in your chair Friday, the 18th. We talked about shoes and you shared a link with me to the shoes you wore. I got those shoes the Sunday after you passed and now I can wear them with honor. We were both grieving significant loss in our lives and when I came to see you, we could get a little dark, but we always came back to the light. Not only did you cut my hair, but you had started cutting my sons hair. I will forever remember our amazing conversations and how much you made me look beautiful at times I didn’t feel that inside. Rest easy my friend. 

Dear Ollie and Michael,
Lisa and Lars,
Heather and Eric,
Bryan, Cristina, Lincoln, and Brooke

Sending all my love to you from California! I'm so sorry I could not be with you today.

My deepest condolences about Rizza. I still don't have eloquent words. They were energetic, artistic, beautiful, and chaotic.

I wish you all the peace under the sun and moon
Eric

I met Rizza at the Soup Spoon. We all were regulars there and one of the times I was chatting them up, they told me about how I should come to Roots. I really wanted to have color in my hair and I said so many places were expensive and uncomfortable. Rizza said, "Everyone deserves to feel beautiful" and they lived by that. They created a safe space for us to chat about everything and nothing. I had dinner with Rizza their last night alive. I feel so damn lucky for that

I was a client at roots with Rizza, the first time I met them they told me I had really beautiful healthy hair and asked to use me as a hair model. However I ended up shaving it all off little less then 2 months later.  Everytime I came in to get it buzzed after that Rizza would tell everyone in the room what I did and how my mom told them I did a pretty dang bad job at it and it always made me laugh.  I always kinda dreaded haircuts before finding roots, but Rizza really made it feel like a safe place where you were surrounded by friends. 

I'll miss them and I'm sending lots of love to their family and friends in these times 

Rizza looked after my older brother and I for so long and took care of us when my parents needed to work. I miss them deeply and I pray that the entire world is kind to their son. 

I only met Rizza in person like 2 times. But them cutting my hair was part of a very important transition to my story and I would be less than I am now without them. The world has lost a bright light. 

She brightened up the lives of many with her passion and vision! I will miss her!

Rizza receiving senior portfolio awards for paintings and sculpture.  One of the greatest students I ever had. A creative tornado leaving beauty in their wake. 

I am so sorry that you have lost a loved one. I had only met Marissa few times, but theirs was a vivacious presence. May you all find solace and comfort among family, friends, and faith. 

Rizza holds a very special place in my heart. One of the first things they learned about me is how much I love shredded wheat and  I learned how much they were repulsed by it. My text messages for weeks were nothing but pictures of us back and forth sending photos of shredded wheat to each other. They made me laugh and feel so loved constantly. I loved coming home to them with 5-6 different bins, suitcases, and bags of just craft supplies because they didn’t know what they wanted to work on before leaving their house. Evenings with Rizza, Faith, and Syd hanging out at the table doing puzzles while I played video games with Ollie on the couch were some of my favorite times this summer. I miss Rizza so much and will always hold them and their family close to my heart. 

OBITUARY

Marissa "Rizza" Marie Benton

20 February, 1989 – 19 November, 2022

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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