Rita Fettes

Rita J. Fettes was born on March 26, 1952, in Kimball, NE, to William and Emma Halstead. She passed away on October 4, 2024, in Aurora, CO. 

Rita married David on December 4, 1971, at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota.Rita earned her associate degree in business and enjoyed a fulfilling career at Gordman’s, Half Price Stores, and Kohl’s, where she eventually retired. She made countless connections and valuable friendships in her work relationships.

A devoted member of the Lutheran Church, Rita converted to Catholicism in the mid-1980s. She graduated from the Denver Catholic Biblical School in 2015 and the Catechetical School in 2017, accomplishments she was extremely proud of.

Rita was active in Beta Sigma Phi sorority, first pledging in 1978 in Okinawa, Japan, and finding her final chapter, Laureate Delta Alpha, in Aurora, CO, in 1992. This is where she made her deepest connections and surrounded herself with sisterhood.

Rita loved riding with David, whether in the mountains or at the arsenal, and found beauty in wildlife & flowers. Her greatest love of all was her grandchildren, and enjoying life’s little moments with them.

Rita is survived by her loving husband David; sons Tom (Lana) Pike and Paul (Tina) Fettes; daughters Laura (Gene) Smith and Amber (Brad) Stiles; grandchildren Serena (Matt) Vos, Emily (Jacob) Miller, Samantha Smith, Justin Stiles, Aspen Stiles, Katelyn Davis, and Savanna Smith; and great-granddaughter Kallie Vos. She is also survived by her sister Joan (David) Ketchum and many other relatives.

A funeral will be held on October 17 at 10 AM, with a viewing starting at 9 AM, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Aurora, CO. Rita will be laid to rest at Fort Logan Cemetery.