Rita M. Werner, 81, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., was called home by our Lord on Feb. 23, 2024, in Midland, Texas. Rita was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to Herb and Ruth Lockard on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942.
Rita lived with her family in Waterloo, Iowa, graduating from East High School in 1960. She attended a community college for a year and started her career as a legal secretary. A few years later, she moved to Denver, Colo., and worked for a law firm. In 1966 she met Walt Werner (Forest Service ranger) while skiing at Aspen. After a four-month whirlwind of dating, Walt and Rita eloped in Sydney, Neb., in January of 1966. Walt was soon transferred to Winter Park, Colo., and their two kids, Stephanie and Michael, were born. Walt and Rita transferred to Idaho Springs, Colo., for one year and Walt was sent to Washington, D.C., and the family moved to Bowie, Md., in 1971. Walt was again transferred to Durango, Colo., in 1974. Both Walt and Rita were thrilled to be back in their beloved Colorado. Walt was transferred to Pagosa Springs, Colo., and the family followed and moved into their new community in 1980. Mom became active in the community. She had a small legal secretary business, was active with the Chamber of Commerce and went to Our Savior Lutheran Church. She soon became the deputy court clerk at the Archuleta County Courthouse until her retirement. She and Walt were active in their kids’ lives, taking them on grand adventures, camping, rafting, skiing or cheering them on through their various activities. Mom had 25 wonderful years of marriage to her beloved Walt, who passed away in 1991. She continued to live in Pagosa Springs after her husband’s death. She remained active, playing cards, going to events in Pagosa, traveling with her friends and family, dancing, and being a social butterfly who loved to laugh and enjoy her life. She moved to Midland, Texas, to be close to Stephanie. She missed Pagosa Springs very much, but she kept up her “social butterfly” and did endear herself to her aides/nurses and made some new friends, too. She touched many lives, and she will be greatly missed.
Rita was preceded in death by Walt (husband), Herb and Ruth Lockard (parents), stepmom JoAnn Lockard, brother Al Lockard, in-laws Alex and Iva Werner, two nephews, and a great niece.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Marton (Paul); son Michael Werner (Carol Viau); brother Robert Lockard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held in Pagosa Springs, to be determined. Graveside will be held in Greeley, Colo., where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Walt.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her favorite charities, St. Jude (http://www.stjude.org/), Alzheimer’s Association (http://www.alz.org/) or Our Savior Lutheran Church, Pagosa Springs (http://www.oslcpagosa.org/).
Arrangements are entrusted to Willowbrook Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Midland, Texas. To place online condolences, please visit www.willowbrk.com.
