Alcarita Mae Birkett

Alcarita Mae Birkett, lovingly remembered as "Rita," went home to be with the Lord on June 27th, 2018, in Colorado Springs, at her residence. Rita was born May 26, 1928, in Trinidad, Colorado, the daughter of Ruben and Mabel Archuletta.

Rita graduated from Hoehne High School in Hoehne, Colorado at the age of 16. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her pride and joy was her family. She worked as an elevator operator at the Antler’s Hotel in Colorado Springs. While Rita’s priority was being a mother, she spent a number of years doing part time office administration work, and in-home daycare with her daughter Susan. She absolutely loved Colorado and took pride in the fact that she lived on the same street for over half of her life, 50 years. She loved her family unconditionally. With a big smile she would proclaim, “There are more than a hundred living relatives in my family.” Rita kept her sense of humor to the very end, motivated by the frailty of this life and her hope and assurance of heaven. Her greatest joy was reading her bible and talking about Jesus.

She was preceeded in death by her parents; a sister, Fern, and husband William. Surviving siblings are Ray Archuletta and spouse Carmen, Glenn Archuletta and spouse Bertha, sister Georgia Dolph and spouse Brooke, children George Sanchez and spouse Patti, Ron Sanchez and spouse Jenny, Denia Layton and spouse Paul, Susan Gieck and spouse Mike, William Jr. and spouse Lisa, 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and as Rita would say, “The only dog I ever owned,” Opie.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a viewing on Friday, July 6th, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Memorial Gardens, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Rita’s graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, also at Memorial Gardens. Following the graveside service there will a memorial service at Rocky Mountain Calvary, 4285 Academy Blvd North, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, at 11:30 AM. There will be a reception following, lunch will be included.