Rita Delores (Montez) Zapata

        Rita Delores Zapata, age 58, of Gratiot County Michigan, passed away with her family by her side, on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Louis, Michigan, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Fr. Paul Werley presiding. Visitation will be held prior to the mass beginning at 11:00 A.M.

     Rita was born in Navarro County Texas on October 2, 1964, the daughter of Robert Lee and Grace (Reyes) Montez.  She married Nicolas Gamez Zapata in Texas, he passed away in 2013.

     Rita loved her family and her dogs.  She cared deeply for her family and was always ready to help where needed.  She especially loved her time with her grandchildren.  She always had a story to tell.  She enjoyed playing games on her phone, Mexican-Country music, and playing the lottery.  She liked to take car rides.

      She is survived by daughter Adriana (Paul) Cabanas Villegas of Crystal, MI; son Adan (Ashley Gomez) Zapata of Shepherd, MI; ten grandchildren: Diego, Natalia, Nicolas, Gonzalo, Valentin, Paulina, Esmeralda, Xavier, Santos, and Emiliano; niece Aubrey (Andres) Montez-Elizarraraz, and longtime companion Pepe Juarez. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Nicolas, son Nicolas, infant brothers David and Robert, one sister Diana Lynn Montez, and one niece Katelynn Montez.

     Memorials may be made to Smith Family Funeral Homes to assist with Rita's funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

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