Rita I. Stover

Rita Irene (Roy) Stover died December 23, 2012. She was 81 years old. She is survived by her husband Robert, children Karen LaBarge, Joe, David, Timothy, Daniel, Patti Strauch, and Julie Vigil, 17 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Gil and sisters Germaine, Annette, Gerry, and Karen.

Rita was born to Edmond Philip Roy and Alma Alda (Newell) Roy on December 13, 1931 in Damar, Kansas. She was the second of six children. Rita attended Country School until third grade when it closed and moved on to attend Grade School at Webster. She finished grade school in Stockton when her family moved to Stockton. Her family moved once again this time to Beloit where she attended St. John's High School. On November 22, 1951 she married Robert Leo Stover, son of Charles Stover and Josephine (Haneberg) at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. They began their life together living at the Stover Homestead south of Beloit, Kansas. Bob and Rita raised two of her sisters, Gerry and Karen, after the untimely death of her parents in 1950 and 1952. While living in Beloit, she gave birth to two sons, Joe and Dave. In 1956 Rita and Bob moved to Denver where her family continued to grow with the addition of Tim, Dan, Pat, and Julie. In 2006 they moved to Aurora, Colorado. Rita worked for nearly 30 years for Denver Public Schools as a kitchen manager. She was actively involved in the Altar and Rosary Society at All Saints Catholic Church in Denver. She served as a Charter Member for the Littleton Lady Elks from 1967 until her death.

Rita touched the lives of her family, friends, and community. She was warm, sharing and easy-going. Her gracious smile, kind heart and caring spirit always made everyone feel comfortable.

Rita was the most precious gift from God to all who were touched by knowing and loving her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Suncrest Hospice in Rita's name.

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