Rita Ann LeQuire

Rita Ann (Keegan) LeQuire, age 89 died at MorningStar Applewood in Lakewood, Colorado on Feb. 6, 2026.

Rita was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota to James Cauley Keegan Sr. and Anna Mae Keegan. She was raised on a farm near Manvel, ND with her parents and seven siblings. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School where she graduated in 1955.

After graduation Rita went to work for the telephone company in Grafton, ND. Her dad knew the foreman there so she got the job and worked there for a few years.

Rita and two girlfriends decided to travel to CO in the early 1960s. She drove out with some money; when it ran out she got a job with Denver Public Schools as a clerk. While working at the schools she met many dear friends and decided to stay in CO.

She met Eugene “Gene” Frank LeQuire in 1961 and married him April 28, 1962. They adopted two daughters Dawn Michelle Vigil in 1967, and Holly Jo Hodges in 1968. Rita and Gene were active parishioners of St. Jude’s Catholic Church from its founding in 1967 until their deaths. Rita attended regularly until 2021 when she moved from their house on Dudley Ct. to the MorningStar Applewood community. Where she resided for the remainder of her life.

Rita was an accomplished worker holding down many different jobs. She worked with DPS then St. Anthony’s Hospital Central as a clerk. She worked at Mountain Bell as an operator, clerk, and librarian. She worked as a long-distance operator with AT&T. Finally retiring from Lucent Technologies as a librarian in the phone service industry.

Rita loved to learn new things, and murder mysteries fascinated her. She also loved to gamble whether it was the slots in Vegas or Central City. Playing poker with family and friends was a staple and boy did they get creative with some games. She was a good dancing partner and enjoyed bowling. Lawn Darts was also something she loved to play. Family and friends held many tournaments with Rita as the winner. The Denver Broncos were her team even when they were losing. Rita and Gene held season tickets for several years. She gave them up after Gene’s death because that was their thing. Rita painted for several years as well as doing other crafty things such as painting pottery, gardening of flowers, sewing, and knitting. She volunteered at the Lakewood Cultural Center for several years after retirement. She was also a member of the ladies auxiliary of the American Legion post 178 as well as a member of the VFW post 4171.

Rita was preceded in death by husband, Eugene “Gene” F. LeQuire, parents James Cauley Keegan Sr., Anna Mae (Levi) Keegan, siblings James C. Keegan Jr. (Rufina), Mary M. Loeffler (Paul), Michael “Lyle” Keegan, MaDonna “Donnie” R. Arneson (Richard “Dick” G.), brothers in-laws Robert “Bob” Boushee, and Ancelmo “Al” G. Atencio, and nephew John R. Keegan

Rita is survived by: daughters Dawn LeQuire-Vigil, and Holly Hodges, grandchildren Falicia Hodges, Madison Vigil, Jared Hodges, Alyssa Vigil, and Trevor Vigil, siblings Veronica Boushee, Richard Keegan, and Kathleen Atencio, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the staff of the MorningStar Applewood community, for the loving care they provided, along with Bloom Health Care and Canyon Hospice.

Please join us as we honor Rita: Rosary and Viewing Feb 24, 2026 at 6 pm at Horan & McConaty 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80227

Catholic Mass will be held Feb. 25, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Jude’s Catholic Church with the reception following 9405 W. Florida Ave. Lakewood, CO 80232

Graveside ceremony at Ft. Logan National Cemetery Feb 25, 2026 please arrive by 1:45pm ceremony will promptly start at 2pm 4400 W. Kenyon Ave. Denver, CO 80236