Rita E. Baca

Rita E. Baca reunited with her heavenly family on December 7, 2023.  Born on July 7, 1946, to the union of Carlos and Theresa Sisneros. She grew up in “Little Harlem” on the grounds of the CF&I plant along with her three brothers.

Rita is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ruben V. Baca; along with her parents; in-laws; older brother, Carlos "Cookie" Sisneros; cherished niece, Deanna Dutcher; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and many great customers.

Rita married Ruben V. Baca on July 13, 1968. Together in August of 1978 they opened Rita’s Mexican Food which is still operated today by her family. Many in the community will remember seeing her there day in and day out. Over the years it became a second home to her children and grandchildren who she enjoyed watching grow up with their little aprons and excitement to work.

Throughout the many years of Rita’s Mexican Food, she has had many employees who have become family to her.  This includes the Martinez, Incerto and Valdez families and many others. They remained loyal to her and the restaurant over the years. She loved many with her whole heart and in return she was loved by many.

In 1977 she joined the board of directors and helped open St. John Neumann Catholic School. She remained on the board for many years and was a board member emeritus at the time of her death.

Rita was a lifelong devout and faithful Catholic.  Attending mass and receiving the Eucharist meant the world to her.  She was very involved and giving to her church St. Joseph. She was a eucharistic minister. At St. Joseph she was an active member of the CCW. Rita was very giving of her time and food to many the of the efforts of St. Joseph and CCW.

When she wasn’t at the restaurant, attending family event; she enjoyed attending the Eagles with her brother, sister-in-law, and cousin Donald Archuletta.

Rita was the mother of five children. Despite her large family Rita always made time for everyone.  As a result, many people considered her their bonus mother and grandmother.  She was such a loving person with a big heart to fit the many people she encountered.   

Rita is survived by; her children, Joseph Baca, Carla (Gary) Romero, Frances (Damian) Capritta, Michelle (Keith) Haynes, and Michael (Jessika) Baca along with many children of her heart including Ray Romero; her devoted grandchildren Alex, Abel, Adam (Marli) and Austin Romero, Raymond Jr. (Laila) and Sarah Ramirez, Angelina Capritta, Jessica and Nicholas Haynes, and Sophia, Andrew and Scarlett Baca; great grandchildren,Arnulfo and Serenity Ramirez; many bonus grandchildren, some of which are Tre’ (Savannah) Sisneros, Javen and Tyler Martinez, and Brie Horton; brothers Toby (Sharon) Sisneros, Louis (Toni) Sisneros; nephews, Louis and Lawrence (Stephanie) Sisneros; extended family here in Pueblo, New Mexico and Denver; to include her aunt who was the sister of her soul, Lena Padilla; numerous godchildren, compadres, comadres, and loyal customers who will miss her dearly.  

            The family would like to thank Dr. Lawrence Anaya, The Center at Parkwest, and Sangre de Cristo Hospice for the loving and great care she has received. In lieu of flowers donations to St. John Neumann Catholic School or Sangre de Cristo Hospice in her name is appreciated.

            Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her – Luke 1:45

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