Rita Katherine Wamel, age 96, of Farmington danced her way into Heaven to be with our Lord on March 1, 2018. At the Gates of Heaven she was greeted by her past beloved family whom she missed so very much. Rita was born in Elbowoods, North Dakota, to Walter B. and Sarah Elizabeth Ward Calhoun.
Rita was born on the Sioux Indian Reservation. At a young age, she moved to different Indian Schools where her father worked. Her fondest memories are of her time spent growing up in Santa Fe and participating in the Native American dances. Rita graduated from Santa Fe High School and studied nursing at Riverside Junior College where she met her future husband R. H. (Buddy) Wamel of Animas, NM., who was a Naval Officer. They were married on August 31, 1941 at the Naval Academy. Rita was a domestic engineer noted for raising three children on the ranch and farm in Animas. She often reflected of her time spent as a State Senator's wife of 16 years and loved going back to her beloved Santa Fe. She spent her time reading, sewing and loved traveling and painting. One memorable trip was with her daughter to meet distant relatives and see the manor home in Luss, Scotland. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the excellent care given to her by all the employees of Cedar Ridge Inn and to Dr. Burns and staff.
KEEP DANCING MOM!!!!!
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Rufus Henry Wamel Jr.; parents Walter B. Calhoun and Sarah Elizabeth Ward Calhoun; brothers James Robert Calhoun and Rex Calhoun; sisters Roselle Howell and Regina Newton. She is survived by sons Van Martin (Skip) Wamel, Animas, NM, Steven (Teresa) Wamel, Farmington, NM.; daughter Susan (Don) Pierce, Farmington, NM.; grandchildren Van Cade (Susan) Wamel, Las Cruses, NM, Katy (Alex) Petermeier, Las Cruces, NM., SSGT Martin Lee Pierce, El Paso, TX., Meleah (Jacob) Burlin, Kansas City, KS., Rede' Wamel Sotelo, Tucson, AZ.; and eight great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 19, 2018 at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home located at 103 E. Ute Street, with Pastor John Preston. Inurnment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501
Rita's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, NM. 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.