Rita Lee Schmidt

Rita Lee Crawford Schmidt passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the age of 84 in Denver, Colorado. She was born in Detroit, but grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. She was a longtime resident of Littleton, Colorado and El Paso, Texas. Rita moved to El Paso in 1969 with her former husband. There she raised their 3 children. Rita taught in El Paso Independent School District for 17 years, teaching Earth Science at Morehead Junior High School. 

In 1995, Rita moved to Littleton, Colorado to be closer to her children. There she taught Physical Science at Summit Ridge Middle School for 11years. Upon her retirement from Jefferson County Public Schools in 2006, she enjoyed traveling the world, skiing, tennis, her dogs, reading, and hiking. Rita loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure. She had a passion for her family and anything outdoors. She lived a very full life and touched many people in a variety of positive ways. 

Her survivors are her two sons, Howard (Jennifer), and Justin (Debbie), her daughter, Andrea Kelly (Rodney) Brewer and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rita Young Crawford Nuss, her father, John Mahan Crawford and her brother, Gerald John Crawford. Memorial Services will be at Horan McConaty at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Heart Association.