Rita Mae Norgard

Rita Mae Norgard passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Mesilla Valley Hospice after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born April 30, 1934 in New Trier, Minnesota to Joseph and Anna Rech. Of German descent, Rita was a loving homemaker, mother and grandmother. She faced life's many challenges with resilience and dignity. Raised in and around Hastings, Minnesota, Rita was one of seven children who worked on the family farm and attended Catholic school. After graduating high school, she married John Henry Granger in 1953. While traveling through Southern New Mexico, they chose to settle in Las Cruces while John attended NMA&M College and gained employment with WSMR. She worked for many years at NMSU in the History and Placement Dept. and PSL. Their daughter Cathy was born in June of 1953. After divorcing in 1969, Rita married Darwin Norgard on February 14, 1971. Darwin who had two children of his own, Mark and Nancy, served in the Armed Forces and later retired from Raytheon. They spent many years overseas because of Darwin's employment and saw many spectacular sites. Rita enjoyed the sport of bowling tremendously. She served on the Board of Directors for the Las Cruces Women's Bowling Association of which she was president from 1968 to 1972. She Competed in numerous tournaments and received many awards. She also enjoyed traveling, sewing, woodworking and reading. Up until the end, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandson, Dylan. When he was little she would spend countless hours with him, playing games on the floor, laughing and giggling. She always made every effort to attend all of his school events and soccer games despite her illness. Rita was preceded by the death of her parents, her brother Joe and her sister Luella. She is survived by four sisters, Dolores, Arlene, Mildred, and Lois; Her husband of 39 years, Darwin; Her children Cathy Y. Jimenez and husband Joe, Mark Norgard and Amy, Nancy Gadbois and husband Adam; Her grandchildren, Dylan Miller, Gabe and Janae Gadbois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure having her in their lives. At her request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Getz Funeral Home. PDF Printable Version