- Date Of Birth: December 31, 1927
- Date Of Death: December 17, 2006
- State: Arizona
Rita Gidcumb, 78, of Page, Arizona passed away December 17, 2006, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born December 31, 1927, in Phoenix, Arizona to Lucille (Minwegan) and Charles “Elzar” Laurent.
Rita attended Catholic schools throughout her childhood and graduated from St. Mary’s in Phoenix. While attending business college she met Charles M. Gidcumb and they married on January 11, 1948. Soon children began arriving, and Rita stayed home with them while Charlie worked at the Salt River Project. She always stressed the importance of education to her children. The family relocated to Page, Arizona in 1970 when the Navajo Generating Station was being built. Rita enjoyed many different activities throughout her life including painting, playing the piano, bowling, tennis, hiking, and biking. She volunteered at her children’s elementary schools, Page Hospital Auxiliary, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Page and Queen of Peace Church in Quartzsite, AZ. In her later years, Rita enjoyed the camaraderie at the Page Senior Center.
Rita was predeceased by her son, Charles M. Gidcumb Jr., and her husband Charlie. Survivors include her three daughters: Marie Rider of Quartzsite, AZ; Lucy Clayton (Andy) of St. Simons Island, GA; and Carol Holland (Barney) of El Cajon, CA; her seven grandchildren: Mary Caballer (Perrin), Tim Rider; Bethany, Daniel and Gennie Clayton; Amanda and Joseph Holland; and two great-grandchildren: Perrin and Bianca Caballer.
