Rita Maria Estrada, born October 12, 1935, passed away on August 25, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Rita was the eldest of 13 children, and the first in her family to be born in the United States.
From a young age, she strived to give back to her family. Whether working without complaint in the stifling agricultural fields or preparing traditional nopales with homemade tortillas after a 12-hour day, Rita was a pillar of strength. She loved spending time with her family and friends. When Rita wasn’t making mounds of tortillas for her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed socializing…over an ice-cold Pepsi (extra ice), of course.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Alex Estrada, nine siblings, as well as her children, Gloria Estrada, Vicky Keen, Becky Jimenez and Rudy Estrada. Rita leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her mother, Concha Lucero, father, Jose Lucero, son, Alex Estrada Jr., and grandson, Reuben “Boy” Lopez. Rita was a cherished member of the Colusa community whose compassion and distinctively ornate hats will be missed dearly.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10am on September 16, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Colusa, California. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross cemetery, followed by a reception at St. Bernadette’s Hall in Colusa.■
PUBLISHED 09/08/2022 • COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2022-0843