Rita L. Lonergan

Rita L. Lonergan of Fort Collins, Colorado died Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Poudre Valley Hospital. She died peacefully and without pain after a sudden reoccurrence of cancer. She had just celebrated her 90th birthday. Rita was born on January 11, 1924 in Marietta, Ohio, one of six children to Chester and Bessie Green. She graduated from Marietta High School in 1942. She married Charles "Pat" Lonergan on June 2, 1956 and the two moved to Fort Collins in 1958. In 1962 Rita gave birth to her only child, daughter Elizabeth. Rita spent most of her working life first as a secretary at First United Methodist Church and then at the 4-H Extension office at Colorado State University. She retired there in 1988. In retirement she volunteered at Poudre Valley Hospital and Lopez Elementary School. She enjoyed church activities, playing bridge, lunch with friends and spending time with her family, most notable her two grandchildren. Husband, Pat preceded Rita in death. She is survived by daughter, Elizabeth Anderson and her husband, Steve; two grandchildren, Rachel and Matt, and sister, Velma Lowe. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church Chapel, 1005 Stover. Contributions in memory can be made to the Larimer County Office on Aging, L.C. Volunteers of America and the L.C. Humane Society in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.