Rita Rae Groess

Rita Rae Groess, age 91, of Lakewood, Colorado passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2025 surrounded by the love of family. Born on June 2, 1934, on her family farm in Wamego, Kansas, to Nettie and Robert R. Peddicord, Rita was the only daughter among five older brothers. She learned the value of hard work and determination early on, carrying a spirited spunk throughout her life. She was a 35 year breast cancer survivor, a testament to her strength and resilience. She was also a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and treasured attending tribal gatherings over the years.

Faith was central to Rita’s life. Growing up in a small-town Christian church, she carried the lessons of Sunday school with her always—leaning on her faith through life’s joys and sorrows, and sharing its blessings with family and friends.

Rita graduated from Wamego High School in 1952 and attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver where she met lifelong friends who remained dear to her throughout the years. She completed her education with a Master of Science degree from Kansas State University. After college, she went on to dedicate her life to teaching, a career that spanned many decades and many places. One of those places was Sacramento, California where one evening at a dance she met Erich Groess, from Munich, Germany who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. That chance meeting grew into a lifelong partnership and on June 18, 1966, Rita and Erich were married. Together, they raised two daughters while living in Nevada, California, Iowa, Florida, and ultimately settling in Colorado, their longtime home. They were blessed with two beloved grandchildren and enjoyed many adventures together. For many years, Rita and Erich spent winters at their vacation home in Arizona. Traveling in their RV, playing golf in the sunshine, and many overseas trips through Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe punctuated their retirement.

Rita loved people, making friends wherever she went and enjoyed crocheting blankets for her loved ones, sewing, scrapbooking, golfing, playing bridge, cooking, and baking. Her pies were legendary, and she was especially known for her delicious Christmas turkey dinners, festive German Stollen, and an extensive array of Christmas cookies. The smell of ‘Sunday chicken after church’ will remain a lasting memory for her family. Growing up with brothers who played football, Rita was a lifelong fan and her go to outfit after Sunday church was usually her Denver Broncos attire.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Rob, Gerald, Leo, Tom, and Ellis ”Bud”; her infant granddaughter, Baily, and her infant triplet grandsons.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Erich; her daughters Heidi (Steve) Hart and Ursula Hedlund; her grandchildren Caly Hedlund and Connor Hart; many cherished nieces and nephews; extended family near and far; and many dear friends. She is also survived by her beloved granddogs, Tito and Chewie.

Above all, Rita was a devoted and loving wife, a caring mother, a doting grandmother, a cherished matriarch to her extended family, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed … until we see her again someday.

Services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 am (with viewing starting at 10:00 am) at Rockland Community Church in Golden with a funeral reception following the service. The burial will take place on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at Golden Cemetery.

In Rita’s honor, memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share memories and condolences with Rita’s family by signing the guestbook.