Rita Thompson

Rita Thompson, age 77, of Milan, NM, passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2022. Rita was born on June 13, 1944 to Pedro and Margarita Torrez. Rita was born in Gallup, NM and was raised in San Rafael, NM until she married her husband, Lace Thompson, on July 11, 1970. She then moved to Milan, NM, where she lived and raised all of her children.

Rita enjoyed visiting with her friends and family. She could be seen all over Cibola County, politicking for her favorite politicians, getting people registered to vote, or collecting absentee ballots. She enjoyed spending time with her sister and cruising to the local casinos. However, nothing brought her more joy than having everyone over to her home and cooking for them. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rita will be missed for being the woman who cared for everyone, checked up on everyone, and was a "mother" to everyone. She was kind, loving, had an infectious laugh and was loved by many. She will be missed.

Rita is survived by her children; Brenda Thompson, Steve Thompson, Roy Thompson and wife Denise, Bernadette Gurule and husband Lawrence, and Delfinio Gonzales and wife Rebecca: her sister, Helen Gabaldon; grandchildren Jacob Thompson, Jovanna Thompson, Nathaniel Gurule, Jade Thompson, Lawrence Gurule Jr, Markeisha Session, Johnathan Thompson, Maddie Gurule, Dominick Gonzales, Rosalee Gonzales, and Emmalee Gonzales; and 8 greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita is proceeded in death by her husband, Lace Thompson; parents Pedro and Margarita Torrez; son Jacob Torrez; and siblings Piedad Murrietta, Leonardo Torrez, Aurelia Chavez, Fermin Torrez, Fedencio Torrez, Celia Dubois, Julian Torrez, Erminia Saavedra, Alfonso Torrez, and Polly Melonas.

A rosary for Rita will be recited at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at St. Vivian's Church in Milan, NM. A mass will be held on Friday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Vivian's Church in Milan, NM. Burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park. Immediately following, attendees are invited to join the family at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Grants, NM.