She was born in Trinidad, Colorado on October 5, 1955 to Frances (Collins) and Manuel DeBaca, who both preceded her in passing.
Rita was a servant leader, Presbyterian deacon, and stalwart pillar of the Hazel Park community who spent nearly two decades with HP public schools. Her dedicated contributions to other organizations continued with time, making lifelong friends in every office she worked in until her retirement in 2024.
Her journey in life is one characterized by resiliency, strength and compassion.
She grew up the youngest of four siblings in Colorado, connected to the Karankawa (Carancahuas) Native tribe, and her travels in life led her all over the American Southwest before she settled down and became part of the Grant family in Michigan, following her marriage to Kerry.
Her passions included cooking for others (with tamales, Christmas enchiladas, and ding-dong cakes as memorable standouts); reading and watching horror stories, and helping out other families any way she could, even as she experienced her own bumps in life.
On September 21, 1988, Rita gave birth to her only son, Cody and a new milestone in life was achieved. Rita was an excellent mother and helped share with her son a sense of curiosity and respect for art and people that lives on to this day.
Rita was a one-of-a-kind woman!!! Her authenticity and ability to make an imprint on others will forever be cherished. She is survived by the immediate family of Cody Grant, Kerry Grant, Robert Grant, Phyllis Grant and her older sister, Louise Abeyta (CO).
A memorial gathering for Rita will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 4-6 PM at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, followed by a memorial service from 6-7 PM.
