Rita E Lechuga

The world lost a beloved wife/mother/sister, Rita E. Lechuga, age 65 of El Paso, Texas who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 25, 2024. She was born locally, the daughter of the late Ruben and Lydia Esquivel. Rita was a 1977 graduate of Ysleta High School.

Rita is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years Fernando Lechuga, daughter Karina Lechuga Acosta (David), sons Adrian Lechuga (Leila), Aaron Lechuga (Mercedes) and grandchildren Aila and Alessia. She is survived by her brothers Javier Esquivel (Silvia), Alfredo Esquivel (Rachel), sisters Virginia Esquivel and Norma Esparza (Mario) along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A lifelong resident of El Paso, she served in the health care field for over 45 years. Her love and compassion for helping others extended way beyond her work. Anyone who met Rita would instantly become her friend. She had a way of making those she spoke with feel special and as if they were the only ones that mattered, which to her truly did. Her family would jokingly comment that she should have worked as an FBI interrogator due to her innate ability to get people to open up to her. She was like a stepmother to many of her children’s friends. She always had a smile on her face and an infectious laugh. She always seemed to have a sense of when people needed her help. She was always willing to help or lend an ear to anyone. Her role as a mother, sister and friend is lovingly emphasized, sharing qualities of unconditional love and strength. She touched many lives with her generosity and passion for life.

To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. Between the many doctors she worked with, Rita was a well-respected and cherished colleague as well as loyal friend to many. She will be remembered and acknowledged as a hard working, loving mother, loyal, unselfish friend and esteemed, respected colleague. Those of us who were Blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here.

Rita lived a beautiful, dignified life. A fashionable woman of exquisite taste, she provided comfort and solace while asking little in return. She loved her entire family. She worried about them, rooted for them, protected them, scolded them, taught them, and always kept on loving them. To her daughter she leaves her kindness, courageousness and compassion. To her sons she leaves her sardonic wit, resiliency and loyalty. To her husband she leaves her undying love, unfathomable gratitude, their three beautiful children, and two granddaughters who love him more than words can ever describe.

An Angel

An angel lived among us,

A gift from God above.

She showered us with kindness

And shared with us her love.

She cherished every moment

With the man who was her life;

Walking hand in hand together,

Facing life with all its strife.

She loved her children dearly,

Each one a different way,

Nestled close within her heart.

Though, now, she’s far away.

She’s gone to live with Jesus.

But, she’s here with us today,

Smiling down on every one of us,

And telling us she’s okay.

We invite family and friends to join in honoring Rita and her loving spirit. Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 N. Carolina, El Paso, Texas on Tuesday, March 5th, from 4 to 8 p.m. Church Services will be held Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Parish, 2301 Zanzibar Rd. El Paso, Texas 79925.