Rita Jo Van Driel

Rita Jo Van Driel age 82 passed away on May 26 in Arvada, CO.  Rita Jo was born in Sterling, CO to Roy and Marcella Pimple and graduated from St. Anthony’s Catholic High School in 1959.  She married Charles Van Driel on June 10, 1961.  They lived in Dodge City, KS from 1971 to 1977 when they moved to Lakewood, CO.  She was employed by the U.S. Government for 29 years before retiring in 2007.

Rita was a member of  St. Jude Catholic Church since 1977, was active in Prime-Timers and volunteered at the Lakewood Cultural Center and VOA Meals on Wheels.  Rita Jo’s Catholic faith and belief in God were evident in her everyday life and how she interacted with those she encountered.   She was always ready for an adventure, committed to making life fun and putting a smile on the face of everyone around her.

She is survived by her children, Carla (Bill) Smart of Arvada, CO, Joe of Florida, Ron of Lakewood, CO, Tom (Martha) of  Arizona and Jeff of Littleton, CO;  grandchildren, Krista (Craig), Kevin, Jeff  and April (Josh), great grandchildren Emmi,  Marshall, Vincent and Jaina;  brother  Wayne (Betty) & sisters-in-laws  Sr. Lourdette, Sr. Genevieve,  Clara Pimple, brother-in-law Bob Van Driel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents, husband Charles, brothers Ray, Gene, Leo, and sister Marlene Sator.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to St. Jude Catholic Church, your choice of charitable organization or do a kind deed for someone.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 13 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 9405 W. Florida Ave, Lakewood at 10:30.  Rosary will be at 10:00.