Rita Lea Bendel

Rita Bendel, 94 of Greeley, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Born in Greeley, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Imogene Riggle. Rita graduated from Kersey High School in 1946 and Greeley Beauty School in 1948.

Rita worked as a beautician in Colorado from 1948 – 1950. She moved to New Mexico in 1950 - 1955 working at Beneficial Finance. She met the love of her life, John Bendel, while in New Mexico. After a 3-month courtship, they married on September 4, 1953, in Dexter, NM. They celebrated their 60th Anniversary shortly before John passed.

John and Rita then moved to PA in 1955 and returned to Greeley in 1959. She was the church secretary at Hillside Baptist Church for 13 years.

Rita loved the Lord and her calling in life was to serve others which she did with everything she had clear to her last days. Rita was a devoted member of Hillside Baptist church from 1959 to her passing. She also was a member of the NCMC Auxiliary and volunteered at the hospital for many years.

Preceding her in death were Clyde (father) and Imogene (mother) Riggle and her husband, John Bendel.

Surviving are her children Patti Fine (Randy Metcalf) of Greeley, Melody (Mark) Coleman of Greeley, Brian (Helene) Bendel of Mount Dora, FL; grandchildren, Zeke (Bridgette) Coleman of San Diego, CA, Amanda (Trent) Lalonde of Denver, Ashley (Chris) Keplinger of Greeley, Holly (Bryan) Norris of Loveland; great grandchildren, Brodie, Lotte, Quinn and Indiana.

A memorial service for Rita will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Stoddard Funeral Home with Inurnment immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to One Hope Church, 2436 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634 (www.OneHopeGreeley.org ) or Westlake Assisted Living LLC, 3151 W 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.