Rita Oliver Marquez

Rita Oliver Marquez, passed away on Monday, November 15th, 2021, she was 88 years old. She was born on March 11, 1933 in Uvalde, Texas to Katherine Torres and Santiago Oliver. She was the 2nd born of 12 siblings, six brothers Alfonso (Al) Oliver, Henry Oliver, Martin Oliver, Robert (Bobby) Oliver, James Oliver, Johnny Oliver, and five sisters, Susie Oliver Buantello, Elouise Oliver, Sally Oliver Barber, Emma Oliver, and Katy Oliver Giraldi.

Rita is survived by her two sons Michael Marquez (Beronica), James Marquez (Wendy) and two daughters Mary Barber (Robert) and Anna Marquez-Stark (Ron). She had 9 grandchildren, Mike Marquez, Derek Marquez, Michelle Marquez Campbell, James Christopher Marquez, Elena Marquez Dunn, Justin Court, Monica Barber, Patricia Barber, Amanda Barber, and 10 great-grandchildren, Brendan, June, Alyssa and Sam, Eric and Raegan, Brooklyn, Jaxson, Lincoln, and Adilynn.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Santiago and Katherine Oliver and her brothers Al Oliver, Henry Oliver and sisters, Suzie Oliver Buantello and Elouise Oliver, as well as her beloved grandson James Christopher Marquez.

Rita was raised in Texas until her parents moved to Modesto, California in the Mid 1940's. She was married to Mike (Miguel) Marquez in 1953 for 27 years, they had four children. She was a dedicated homemaker, working only seasonally for the local canneries. She worked for Stanislaus Foods and Tillie Lewis when she was younger and later worked and retired from Tri-Valley Growers.

Rita's biggest joy was her family, she was devoted to her four children, attending all their school, music, church and sporting events. She enjoyed backyard fun time, drive-in movies, disney night and camping adventures with her children. After her children were grown up, she continued to spend time with them, traveling locally and attending family events. She loved going new places and never turned down an adventure. She lived with her son and daughter in law, Mike and Beronica Marquez, her caregivers for the last 18 years. Rita was never alone, her other three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were often at her home spending time with her. She looked forward to every holiday and seeing all the family together. Christmas was her favorite time of year, from making tamales, having sweet treats, eggnog and listening to holiday music. She loved all the lights, Angels and especially loved Christmas morning.

Rita had many passions in life, she loved Western Movies, the Golden Girls reruns, music by the old Classic and Hispanic Artists, and the beauty of flowers. She really liked to tell stories of her past, reminiscing of the old days. She enjoyed working with her hands, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, crafting, cooking and gardening. She leaves behind many handmade treasures to her family.

Rita was a very giving person, she spent many years taking care of family, from her younger brothers and sisters, her parents and in-laws and then her children. In her later years she was honored by her own family who took care of her. She was a blessing to all, her loving smile will be greatly missed.

A funeral service for Rita will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, California.

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