Rita Mae Melendez

Rita Mae Melendez, 79 years old, passed away on April 10, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on April 29, 1944, in Ovid, Colorado to Salvador Joe and Guadalupe Arroyo.

Rita is survived by her husband, Thaddeus Melendez, of 29 years (married October 24, 1994); daughter Teresa Mae Butler, daughter Tammy Jean Lee and her sister Sally Jo Larson.

Rita was survived by stepchildren Monica Leigh Taylor (Thomas) and Greg Anthony Melendez (Talla). She is also survived by 10 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Grandchild.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Salvador Joe Arroyo and Guadalupe Arroyo, her son Tony Joe Gladson Brother Salvador Joe Arroyo Jr., sisters Ilene Hagen, and Vanessa Rae Johnson, Grandson Anthony Joe Lee, and brother Albert Ramos.

Rita loved to read, sunbath, go out dancing, listening to music (oldies with her favorite being Elvis Presley), playing bingo and the slot machines. She loved to travel to visit her parents and all family members. She had a special love for kids of all ages. Her favorite place to travel was Las Vegas, Nevada.

Her religious preference as the Assembly of God.

Rita worked at the Airport Golf Club as a bartender for 20 years. She retired in 1995 and moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

Graveside services were at Bethel Cemetery on April 22, 2024, officiated by Joe Perea, assistant pastor of Restoration Fellowship and long-time family friend.

People will remember Rita as a beautiful, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend that was extremely passionate about her family and friends. She accepted all those around her with an open heart, open arms, and a huge smile. Her departure was not unexpected but creates a deep wound that is felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply. She will be forever missed. Until we meet again.