Rita A Gallemore

Rita A. Zoucha Gallemore entered this world on October 23, 1937 in Columbus, Nebraska. She grew up on a farm with her mother and father (Leocadia and Stanley) along with her brother Donald. After the passing of her father, they bounced around before landing in Kern Valley, California. It was here that she'd meet her soulmate and love of her life, Bobby. After graduating from East Bakersfield High school in 1956, Rita and Bobby were married in 1957. The two of them would go on to enjoy each other and many life's adventures for over 60 years.

Rita's proudest achievement was her children. She and Bobby built a family together on Normandy Drive in East Bakersfield. She was Cub Scout leader, Room mom, PTA/classroom volunteer, Band mom, Cheer mom and Neighborhood Mom to so many. As Tony, Tim and Tonya grew, so did her family. Friends became family and always had a place at Rita's/Mrs. Gallemore/My Other Mom/Aunt Rita's/Grandma's house. There was always Pepsi, something to eat and a listening ear.

Rita raised her children to have roots and wings. After the wings spread, the adventures continued. Rita continued to give back. Serving as a home catechism meetings, Chaired of the Golden Fellowship at St. Joseph's Church and supported Bobby with his dreams. They worked together as caretakers for a summer camp at Camp Pit in northern California before following their dream of a mountain house.

After 40+ years on Normandy Drive in East Bakersfield, they bought land and had a house built in Stallion Springs, Tehachapi California.Bobby & Rita's Oak Haven continued to be that home.Countless gatherings, BBQ's and holidays were hosted by Rita always with open arms, a warm smile and a big hug. After I5 years, Bobby needed to go prepare the way in heaven and Rita returned to Bakersfield to be closer to her son and extended family.

This began a new chapter for Rita in Pioneer Pines Mobile Park where her family grew again.The whole park knows/knew her as either Tony's Mom or Grandma. The locations might have changed but the home never did. Wherever Rita/mom lived; the door was always open, there was always Pepsi, something to eat and a listening ear.

Welcomed with open arms, a warm smile and a big hug.

After a long full life filled with love and great memories, and a relatively short fight with cancer. Mom/Rita was called home to Our Lord on April 2, 2025. She was greeted by her mother, brother, SoulMate Bobby Gallemore, Son Tim Gallemore, Grandson Ryan Gallemore and so many loved ones that have been waiting for her. She leaves behind to live for her and to continue her legacy; Her son and daughter Tony & Cindy Gallemore (Bakersfield,Ca), her daughter and son Tonya & Craig Cotton (Cypress, Texas) Her grandchildren; Tanessa Gallemore Lawrence (Ken), Ashley Gallemore Derryberry (Billy), AJ Gallemore(Jeana), Tabitha Gallemore (Ryan), Cassandra Cotton Rundell (Matthew), Abigail Cotton Cele (Jack), Spencer Cotton (Romi), Emily Cotton (Jacob), and Jacob Gallemore. Heartstring children, grandchildren, and very close friends; Everett & Sue Claiborne, Caryn Claiborne, Brandi & Michael Marsh, Caycee & Lucas Peek, Savannah & Julian Hernandez, Steven Lynch, Dan & Teresa LoEy.

Travis Lofy, Anthony Lofy, Deanna Lofy Frazier, Angie Garcia and Anthony Moreno Great grandchildren (Madison, Rayce, Ryder, Shay, Taylor, Revyn, Emma, Jordan, Carter, Mia, Amelia, Sarah, Mackenzie, Zachary, Joshua, Melody, Axl, Belen, Ivan and Chapis), numerous nieces and nephews. Countless others that called Rita theirs.

The dictionary says this about a rock, "a firm support source of strength, a gemstone" and that she was to her family.

Please join us in the celebration of her life at Hillcrest Mortuary 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at II:00 a.m., graveside blessings at The National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, Ca. at I:15 p.m.

In Lieu of flowers: Per mom's request - make a memory with your loved ones, and "Be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you" - Colossians 3:12-14

"When I gaze at the night sky, a mother's love I see, Each twinkling star, a memory, a part of her legacy.

Her gentle touch, a soft embrace, in heaven's starry grace, A mother's love, forever bright, in the celestial space."