Rita Garcia

Rita Marie Garcia, 38, of Roswell, NM, USA passed away peacefully early morning on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Rita’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. Rita was born on April 7, 1986, to Ronnie L. Garcia and Bobbie Ann Romero in Roswell, NM. Rita grew up under the care and guidance of her beloved paternal grandparents Andy and Mary Garcia; whom she affectionately referred to as “Grampo” and “Mom.” She was a cheerleader and a skilled basketball player at Berrendo Middle School and Goddard High School; she graduated in 2003. After high school, she became an independent insurance representative selling policies under Aflac Insurance. During that time, she was able to buy her own car with her own hard-earned money. She also became a real-estate agent associate, however during that time the housing market was not at its best. She also was a homecare provider for her younger cousin, Dwayne Garcia Jr, who resided with her and her children for several years; caring for him like her own. She also took in her younger cousin, Savanah Briseño as her own as well. She was very skilled and talented in many ways and a very hard worker. She put in many hours working labor intense jobs such as painting, laying flooring down or even tossing shingles on the roof in the hot sun; all for Grampo Garcia. When no one else would show up to work there she was “Jammin’ it.” Rita was often heard jokingly saying, “Eeee, Grampo roasted me (eee eee eee).” She most definitely got her sense of humor from her father. She had a natural ability to make others laugh or smile when they were feeling down. Rita was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed it, especially when it came to moving; she would help pack up, haul off and unload. Rita was a very giving person even to a fault, one who loved with her whole heart. If you were one of the lucky ones she said, “I Love You” to, you best believe she meant it! She never did anything halfway in her life; she always gave it her all, until there was nothing left to give. She had an amazing fighting spirit, a strong-willed personality, a beautiful smile, a soft heart, and an infectious laugh; anyone blessed to have known her would agree. Rita was adventurous, living life fearlessly and to the fullest. Her love for fast cars began at the age of eight and she went through plenty. Her fondest outlet was riding on her ATV; on the trails along the arroyo next door to Grampo Garcia’s house. She attributed her agile riding skills to her uncle Dwayne whom she thought highly of. She enjoyed quality time spent outdoors camping and cook-outs. She was also content with just chillin’ in the garage at home, listening to music with close family and friends. Rita’s children Richard, Rael, Rianna, and Ravae are her greatest treasures, and they always will be. There is nothing she would not do to see them smile. Rita made sacrifices for them, even though she knew it would be difficult; no matter how much it hurt, she knew it was in their best interest. They gave her strength during rough times, sharing laughter and joy, through it all. Rita always made sure their needs were met before those of her own. No matter how tired she was, she always made sure their bellies were full and that they felt safe before seeing them off to bed. She also ensured that they had more than what they needed and almost everything that they wanted. She always made it a point to be present at her children’s school and sporting events, cheering them on. She was incredibly supportive and encouraging of them and reminded them of how much faith she had in them even at times when they did not have faith in themselves. Rita always made sure she reminded them of how proud she was to be their mother and how much she loved each of them. Regardless of what anyone else thought or said, she reassured them that she would always have their backs. Rita dedicated her spare time to helping those whom she loved the most, opening her home to all who entered. She was always thinking of others; calling or texting to see how you were doing. Her nurturing qualities can be attributed to “Mom,” who modeled those values for Rita at an early age. Rita was Grampo and Mom’s right hand for whatever they needed; devoted to ensuring they would not have to lift a finger. Rita was a great cook and housekeeper, she took pride in the appearance and upkeep of her home and that of her vehicles, most recently her Chevy Tahoe; She was often seen cruising around listening to music in it or that pristine old ’28 Ford Model A of Grampo Garcia’s. Rita will be missed but not forgotten; her memory will remain forever etched upon the hearts of those whose lives she touched. This is not goodbye but rather ‘till we meet again. Rita is survived by her children: Richard Garcia of Roswell, NM, Rael Mendoza of Deltona, Florida, Rianna and Ravae Carrillo both of Roswell, NM; father, Ronnie L. (LaDonna) Garcia of Roswell, NM; siblings: Brian (Jessica) Tafoya of Portales, NM, Ronnie Daniel, and Calista Garcia both of Roswell, NM; mother, Bobbie Ann Romero of Roswell, NM; brother, Manuel Candelaria of Roswell, NM, who never left her side; sister Reyna Romero, and her son & daughter of Arizona; paternal grandparents: Andy and Mary Garcia of Roswell, NM; maternal grandparents: Momma Loy, and Juan Peña of Arizona; paternal uncle, Dwayne Sr. (Rachel) Garcia of Portales, NM, and their children all of whom Rita considered her nephews and nieces; and maternal uncles: Gabby Gabaldón, Paul Romero, Juanito Piña, Fernando Piña, and Felipe Piña all of Arizona. Honorary Pallbearers: Rita’s brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, her closest family, and friends. Services for Rita are as follows: A Viewing will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at the Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home located at 2609 S. Main Street, Roswell NM 88203. Rosary Services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home. Mass will be held Friday, May 17, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Assumption Catholic Church located at 2808 N. Kentucky Ave. Roswell, NM 88201. Interment following at the South Park Cemetery located at 3101 S. Main St. Roswell, NM 88203. Repast Meal to follow at the Assumption Catholic Church Parish Hall.

Rita Garcia

April 7, 1986 - May 7, 2024