Rita Joan Carrillo

Rita Joan Carrillo, 71, passed away Oct. 7, 2025. A lifetime Puebloan she was born August 6, 1954, to parents, Felimon and Magdalina “Mondy” (Rivera) Candelaria. Both precede her in death along with husband, Jess Andrew Carrillo Sr.; grandson, Jesse Garcia; son-in-law, Aaron Gonzales; brothers-in-law, Michael Williams and Don Griego.

Rita retired from the Dietary Dept. of Minnequa Med Center with 27 years of service. She also bartended at Grandpappy’s for several years.  She was an avid darts player, soft player and enjoyed bowling. She was a huge Raiders fan. She was a bright light to all who came in contact with her. The life of the party! Rita was proud of her Salt Creek roots, always sharing her stories, life lessons and love with her family and friends. She enjoyed her trips to Cripple Creek, spoiling her grandchildren, and hanging out with each of them, especially Arianna and ZeRyeh-MeRee who she shared a special bond with. She loved her Pepsi and her Salt Creek water. She loved cooking for her son and anyone who came around, you never left her home without eating something. Rita joined her family members who have left before her, especially her grandson, Jesse Garcia, whom she loved dearly and was the first to greet her at The Golden Gates. Rita was the matriarch of 4 generations. Always making sure her children were taken care of, never leaving them without. She loved each of them in their own special ways. She was very feisty, she didn’t beat around the bush and didn’t take any sh-t from anyone. Living her life how she wanted without anybody telling her what to do.

Rita is survived by her children, Anita (Aaron Pacheco) Candelaria, Gina (Sammy) Pyatt, Jessica “Mouchie” Carrillo, Yolanda Carrillo, Jess A. Carrillo Jr., Senaida Carrillo and Stormy (Eric Maes Sr.) Carrillo; 19 grandchildren, Damian, Scarlette, Kenna, Samantha, Marcus, Sierra, Marselino, Natalie, Xavier, Shantel, Erica, Rita, Reylynn, Reyna, Arianna, ZeRyeh-MeRee, Eric Ray Jr., Jesse Jay, and Brenden; siblings, Virginia, Phyllis (Robert), Theodora (Isaac), Leona, Felimon (JoRae), Lydia, Xavier and Benjamin; 17 great grandchildren, 3 godchildren, Michael, Phil, and Jesse; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of friends.

Funeral service 10 am Thursday Oct.16, 2025 at Angelus Chapel. 

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