Rita Apt

Rita L. Apt passed away peacefully on February 9, 2018. She was born on October 11, 1927 to the late Gustav and Linda Zelmer in Bridgeman, Michigan. On May 28, 1949, Rita married the love of her life, Dean F. Apt, in South Bend, Indiana. They lived there until 1979, when Rita and Dean moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There Rita was employed by AMREP Southwest, Inc. until her retirement.

Rita was a sweet lady who delighted in the company of her family and friends. With Dean, she enjoyed traveling and they participated in several trips sponsored by the senior center. They also traveled to see their children and friends and were always happy to host them when they came to visit southwest.

 Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Dean; her parents and brother, Erwin Zelmer; her step-father, Louis Pastrick, and her son-in-law, Jeffrey A. Barrier. She is survived by daughters, Rhonda (Richard) Reynolds and Deanna Barrier, and by son and daughter-in-common law, Kirk Apt and Keith Frates. Also surviving are one granddaughter, Maegan (the late George) Ramos; four grandsons, Trent (Stephanie) Reynolds, Jeffrey (Larkin) Barrier, Trevor Reynolds, Keith Barrier, and one great-granddaughter. Also surviving are Rita’s sister, Irene Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, where Rita and Dean were charter members, at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 17.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a contribution in memory of Rita to Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, 1652 Abrazo Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM or to Hospice de la Luz, 3808 Academy Parkway North NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.