Rita Apodaca

Rita Marea Medina-Apodaca, 103 years old, of Denver Colorado, our beloved mother, grandmother, tia and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes at St. Joseph’s hospital in Denver on June 9th, 2021. Rita was born in Walsenburg, Colorado on August 12th, 1917 to Rufino and Porfidia Medina and was child number 8 out of 9 brothers and sisters.

Growing up in Walsenburg, Rita attended school and, in the summer, worked in the fields picking sugar beets and tomatoes. She enjoyed cooking, swimming and riding horses.

In May 1935, Rita married John B. Guerrero and they had three children, John Jr, Sylvia and Irene. Tragically In September 1937, baby John Jr. died from a sudden illness. In the early 1940’s Rita, her mother Porfidia and family decided to move to Denver. After World War II broke out, Rita and two of her brothers moved to Oakland, California and found work in the shipyards of Richmond where Rita became a Welder. After the war, Rita moved back to Denver and met the love of her life Al Apodaca.

Rita, Al, and the rest of the family moved into a new home at 4695 High Street in Denver. Rita enjoyed her new home, continuing with her cooking and taking care of the family. In 1965 Rita and Al moved into a new home at 4785 Paul Street, living next door to her daughter Irene and son in-law Jess. Rita would spend the rest of her life in that house over 56 years. During her working career, Rita would become Head Baker for Manuel High School where she received many compliments and awards for her baking skills and continued to work for the schools for 22 years. In 1986, Rita had to retire in order to care for her husband Al who was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. He passed away 3 years later. During retirement Rita continued with her cooking, gardening, and sewing. She also frequently traveled to California to visit family where she enjoyed her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren totaling 5 generations.

Rita lived a long happy, healthy life up to her 103+ years at home, thanks to the wonderful, loving care she received from her daughter Irene, Jesse Sr. (son-in-law) and her grandson Monty Marin.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Al; son John Guerrero Jr.; grandsons Robert Valdez and Stanley J. Marin.

She is survived by daughter Irene and son in-law Jess Marin; her grandson Jess and granddaughter in-law Charlotte Marin; grandson Monty Marin; granddaughter in-law Irene S. Marin; great granddaughter Michelle Marin; great granddaughter Brittany (Craig) Barela; great granddaughter Natalie (Mark) Mestas; great-great grandson Jordan Marin; great-great grandson Craig Barela Jr.; great-great grandson Noah Mestas; great-great grandson Aiden Mestas; and great-Great granddaughter Layla Marin. She is also survived by her daughter Sylvia Valdez; grandson Mark Valdez; granddaughter in-law Deb Valdez; grandsons, Steve and Kirk Valdez; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held for Rita on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 11:00am followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00pm at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 South Sheridan Boulevard Denver, Colorado 80219. Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

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