Rita Jo Romero

Rita Jo Romero of Jaconita, NM, passed away on October 3, 2024, with her loving family by her side after battling a lengthy illness. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Alex A. Lovato and Abelina (Lita) Lovato, sister Betty Valdez and brother Alex (Jun-Jun) Lovato. She was also proceeded death by her mother-in-law Julia Romero, brothers-in-law Vincent, Raymond and David Romero and sister-in-law Mary Louise Ortiz.

Rita is survived by her soul mate and loving husband for 57 years Gilbert Leroy Romero, daughters Debbie Roybal (Bryant), Norma Escobedo (Adrian) and brother Rudy Lovato (Madline). She is also survived by her brother-in-law Philbert Romero (Christine) and sister-in-law Mary M. Gomez (Manuel) as well as grandchildren Vanna Ortega, Shayna Roybal, Devon and Jaden Escobedo, and great grandchildren Aliyah and Tristan Roybal and Amari Benjamin. Rita is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins on both sides of the family.

Rita Jo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who cherished family and demonstrated her faith in her family and God through her loving, caring and funny personality. Rita married Leroy in 1967 and moved to California for a brief period prior to coming back to New Mexico to spend time with her parents and family raising their children. She retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory where she continued to keep with her family values and exemplifying her beautiful personality. Rita Jo lived her life to her fullest with always being concerned with the well-being for others and we will miss her dearly. 

Lastly, we want to thank all the extended family and friends that supported Rita during her illness and a special thanks to the support staff from Giving and Amber Care that cared for her these past few months.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pojoaque, NM.  

The family of Rita Romero has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477