Rhietta "Rita" Joyce Dunkel

Rhietta Joyce Dunkel, affectionately known as Rita, passed away on December 8, 2025, in Modesto, California, just one month shy of her 89th birthday. Born on January 26, 1937, Rita lived a long and beautiful life defined by her deep devotion to family and her warm, welcoming spirit.

Rita shared a rare and beautiful love story with her husband, Carroll Dunkel, her "honey". They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, a testament to a marriage built on peace, love, and mutual respect. Following Carroll's retirement, the couple spent years traveling the United States annually during the Summer months in their motorhome, preferring scenic backroads and historical stops. A favorite pastime on these trips was to visit her son and many grandkids who lived in New York.

A clever and quick-witted woman, Rita was known for her competitive spirit in games like bowling and billiards in her younger years, and bingo later in life which she often played with her niece, Betty. However, her greatest passion was caring for others. Her kitchen was a place of constant hospitality, where she always had a fresh pie or a hot cup of coffee ready for any visitor, planned or unexpected.

Rita is survived by her devoted husband, Carroll Dunkel; her children, Edward (Diana) Stepp of Gridley, CA, and Tracy (Tia) New of Modesto, CA; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Howley, and her son, Anthony Stepp.

A longtime resident of Modesto, Rita will be remembered for her selflessness, her love of her family and friends, and the simple joy she found in a fresh pot of coffee and the company of her family.

A visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, located at 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326, on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:30 am.

A committal following the funeral service at Lakewood Memorial Park - Peacevale Garden.