"I did it my way"
-Frank Sinatra
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Marie Winkley, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Rita passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 78.
Born on October 10, 1946, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rita grew up in Loveland, CO where she nurtured a love for the outdoors including water skiing and snow skiing. Rita graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and shortly thereafter moved to Los Angeles, CA. Rita had a passion for the southwest area which was reflected in her style, décor and art. She was able to live and work throughout that area. In 2018, Rita returned to Loveland where she resided until her passing.
While Rita spent most of her adult life in careers using math and logic, she found a creative outlet in macramé, creating kachina dolls, ceramics and later with fused glass. She has created hundreds, if not thousands of pieces, that she has generously given to her family and friends. Once she retired, she began selling her art on Etsy and at local artists and craft fairs in Loveland.
Rita was very independent and didn’t let anything stand in her way when she made up her mind to do something.
After two decades in accounting, she went back to school and earned a second bachelor’s degree in information systems management which she applied to managing the Blue Cross/Blue Shield data system in New Mexico. However, she continued to use her accounting background as a volunteer for Tax Aide for several years helping seniors with tax returns and general tax questions. She gave generously to dozens of non-profits supporting causes both near and abroad.
Rita is survived by her two children, Brian Peavey and Kerry Helke (Peavey); her five grandchildren, Daniel, Max, Aiden, Benjamin and Abigail. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brien Robert Winkley and Genevieve (George) Winkley.
Rita was a deeply private person and did not want a fuss made about her and asked for a quiet remembrance of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rita’s honor to Doctors without Borders or NRDC.
Rita will be remembered for her generosity, her dedication to family, and love of her dogs. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Photo Gallery
Memory wall
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all, and I stood tall
And did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me
I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes, it was my way
-Frank Sinatra
Donate
Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Rita embodied throughout her life. Donations made through this website will be equally distributed to Doctors without Borders and NRDC (The Natural Resources Defense Council)
