Rita Grace Roybal

Rita Grace Roybal, age 70, passed away peacefully December 28, 2018 succumbing to her earthly battle with ALS, but gaining her angel wings to fly forever. Rita was born in Denver, Colorado on October 11, 1948 to Benny Joe and Antoinette Martinez (Romero). The second of nine kids, Rita grew up in a hardworking and loving family on the west side of Denver where she developed a strong motherly presence at an early age. She attended Saint Joseph Catholic School K-12 and began working as a dental assistant after attending Emily Griffith Technical College. Rita married ‘the sweetie of her life' Tony Roybal (a.k.a The Big Hunk) in 1969 and started a family that would be the focus and joy of her life. Rita spent her early years working and raising two boys as an ardent wife and mother. Rita enjoyed family events, barbeques and parties with an infectious smile and laughter. Rita was always a good sport, whether it be camping, fishing, hunting or watching countless hours of the sporting activities of her husband, sons and grandkids. She was an authority on all sports and would let you know her views on the way it should be done. Rita loved the kitchen and was known family-and-friend-wide for great Mexican food, enchiladas, tortillas, empanadas, chocolate cake, chokecherry jelly, and cinnamon rolls. The recipes have been handed down and will continue satisfying generations to come. Rita would always find time to help anyone in need and would lend a helping hand, which usually included a good lecture along with her nuggets of knowledge. ""Telling it like it is"" was her trademark.

Rita was preceded in death by parents, Ben and Antoinette, and brothers John and Anthony. Rita is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years Tony, sons Lance (Sharon) and Brooks (Summer), and grandchildren, Jacqueline, Brayden, Meredith, Olivia and Caroline. Her siblings Ramie, Tom, Ben, Jerry, Greg and Marie, along with countless extended family members, also survive Rita. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the ALS Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter to help those living and fighting the disease.

Vigil Service: January 3, 2019 10:00 am

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227

Reception: January 3, 2019 12:15 pm

VFW Post 4171
15625 West 10th Avenue
Golden, Colorado