SIERRA VISTA ARIZ. — Rita Cordova of Sierra Vista Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home June 1, 2019 in the company of her daughter, Debra Cordova-Paul, and grandson, Dana Cordova. She was 88.

Born September 20, 1930 to Manuel Melgares and Antonia Montoya in Longmont, she was one of 10 siblings; one sister, Francis (deceased), and eight brothers, Jesus (deceased), Julian (deceased), Nash (deceased), Francisco (deceased), Max (deceased), Paul, Fermin and George.

Preceded in death by her husband, Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Horace Cordova, in 2002, Rita was the rock of a beautiful family of three children whom she raised as they moved around the world supporting her husband. She worked tirelessly to ensure the prosperous upbringing of her children and care of her family.

After moving to Sierra Vista, Ariz. in 1974, she began passing out magazines at Fort Huachuca’s Commissary, a position she both loved to do and took great pride in. This gave her the chance to socialize and catch up with old friends and make new ones. Along with this, she became an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and served as an usher for several years as she continued her unwavering praise of God.

Throughout her life, Rita enjoyed activities such as bowling, reading, playing bingo, watching Days of Our Lives, and raising her dog, Sampson. Daily, Rita enjoyed working in her yard, watching the news, and caring for her grandson and puppy. She spent her last days in the comfort of her home in the company of her family and reminiscing on old times.   

Rita is survived by her three children, Bruce Cordova, Debra (Donald) Cordova-Paul, and Mark (Linda) Cordova; siblings Paul, Fermin, and George Melgares; four grandchildren, Christina, Rachelle, Daniel (Katie), and Dana Cordova; great-granddaughter, Vera Cordova; and her loving canine companion, Sampson. She is also survived by her honorary family members Capt. Michael (Tiffany) Skelley, their daughter Briella, and Felicia (Ricky) Skelley-Patrick and their three daughters, Madison, Alora and Isla.

Rita and her family would like to thank Dr. Ralph Mayberry, the exceptional nurses at Casa de la Paz hospice, and all those who took care of her through her last years on this earth. Rita also urged everyone to remember all the good times, and to be at peace.

Respecting the wishes of Mrs. Cordova, there will be no visitation. A rosary will be recited at 8:15 a.m., Monday, June 10 followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 10 a.m. at the Old Post Cemetery on Fort Huachuca, Ariz.