Rita Ann Huntley

Rita was born to Everett and Gracie Mowery in Parkersburg, West Virginia on September 27,1938. She was the first of six children and the leader of the pack. Rita worked many different jobs while living in Parkersburg, including working at St. Josephs Hospital with the physical therapy department.

Rita married at a young age and had four boys, Daniel, Michael, Patrick and Timothy. Unfortunately her marriage didn’t work out, but Rita undeterred, and determined for a better life moved with her four boys to Phoenix, AZ in 1964. Rita worked many different jobs, after attending Glendale Community College, she was hired on as one of the first female draftsmen at the Sperry-Rand Corporation. Soon after Rita met the love of her life, Daniel Huntley. Dan and Rita were married on August 1, 1969. Shortly thereafter Sharon became part of the family and never was a little girl more loved and better protected than Shari by her big brothers.

Rita had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned many businesses throughout her life. She along with her mother Grace, her brother Tom, and her cousin Jim started a small newspaper called the Bargain Shopper. The Bargain Shopper was an extremely successful publication and Rita owned the business for many years until she sold the paper. Rita also owned and started another business, Beehive Answering Service, which she operated for many years.

Rita and Dan moved to Cave Creek in the 80’s where they lived for approximately 20 years. Rita loved to garden and host parties. Rita loved Christmas and her Christmas parties were legendary. Rita always made everyone feel at home, and more importantly she made them feel like part of the family.

In their later years Rita and Dan moved to Payson, AZ where they spent the last years of their life. Rita enjoyed gardening once again in the cooler temperatures, and they spent many afternoons fishing in the nearby lakes along the Mogollon rim. Rita also rediscovered her love for painting, and would often send many of her loved ones some of her artwork that she loved create on wine glasses.

Rita had 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Rita was many things to many people, She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She made everyone feel loved, and she was a friend to everyone. She was a unique person which the world will miss extremely much. Godspeed Rita, we will miss you.

A celebration of life will take place on on Sunday August 28th at 11:30 am at Westbrook Village-Vistas Recreation Center, 18825 N Country Club Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85382.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ShadowMountainMortuary.com for the Huntley family.