- Date Of Birth: July 5, 1922
- Date Of Death: January 28, 2011
- State: Colorado
Rita, 88, a longtime resident of Denver and Littleton, passed away in Los Angeles. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Gerald. Loving mother of Keldwyn Teves and Jerrilyn (Matthew) Jacobs, proud grandmother of Jennifer Gavelek, Kaitrin Valencia, Hannah and Madeline Jacobs, great-grandmother of Nathan and Ellie Gavelek, Noah, Kailah and David Valencia.
On January 28, 2011, Rita Lillian Turpell Greenough passed away in Los Angeles, California where she had moved recently to be close to her daughter after the passing of Gerald (Jerry) Greenough, her loving husband.
Rita was the second of two children born to Genevieve and James W. Turpell in Buffalo, New York on July 5, 1922. Her brother was James Turpell, Jr. They moved to Denver when Rita was a child.
While attending Manual High School she made life-long friends. After school, on a double date Rita met the love of her life, Jerry Greenough. They were married May 9, 1942 and their devoted marriage lasted sixty-six years. They had a strong circle of friends throughout their lives. They raised their two children Keldwyn (Gail) and Jerrilyn in their Bear Valley home, then moved to their West Ponds Circle condominium where they passed the seasons watching the wildlife on the pond outside their window. Four grand-children (Jennifer, Kaitrin, Hannah, and Madeline) and five great-grandchildren (Nate, Ellie, Noah, Kailah, and David) enriched their long lives, along with their son-in-law Matthew Jacobs and the husbands of their granddaughters, Emilio Valencia and Greg Gavelek.
Rita was always really good with numbers, and she worked part time as a bookkeeper while raising her children. The Greenough family played a lot of games together, and she will always be known as the Farkle Queen! She exemplified the ideal homemaker with canned pickles and peaches, beautifully sewn clothes (including doll clothes), knitted sweaters, knit and crocheted comforters, and all kinds of crafts which she gave as presents. She was an avid reader throughout her life.
Rita and Jerry joined Pinehurst Country Club where they formed deep friendships centered around golfing and bridge get-togethers. Rita was elected President of her ladies’ golf group one year and volunteered for golf tournaments.
Rita overcame adversity, lived for her family, and brought kindness and devotion to her family and friends. She will always live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
