Rita Brumbeloe Mathis

Rita Brumbeloe Mathis, 71, passed from this life on October 20, 2018 at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a two-year battle with cancer.

She was born August 16, 1947 in Pinson, Alabama, to Hobert Warren and Hattie Mae (Jackson) Brumbeloe.

After high school graduation, Rita began a career in federal civil service, which eventually brought her to Tampa, Florida, where she was introduced to her future husband, William (Bill) Edward Mathis, on a blind date. After their marriage on August 30, 1974, in Hooker, Oklahoma, Rita and Bill set off for England—the first stop in a lifetime of globetrotting as Bill pursued a 47-year career as a United States Air Force officer and civilian. After England, they lived in Arizona, the Philippines, Hawaii, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas before settling in Colorado Springs for the last fourteen years.

Rita enjoyed visiting with her friends and family whether in person or on the phone, visiting many different locales (once each only!), shopping for bargains, and watching her grandchildren grow. Blessed with a clear vision of life’s important values, she provided her family a solid foundation of principles and ideals along with the freedom to choose their own path to happiness.

In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by four brothers, Hobert Warren Jr. (Jack), Ray Martin (Buck), Frankie Allen (Frank), and Samuel Jeptha Jerome (J.J.) Brumbeloe, as well as a son, Benjamin Scott Mathis.

Rita is survived by her husband; two daughters, Anna Nicole (Nicki) Mathis and Natalie Clarissa Wirt; son-in-law, Benjamin Wirt; two grandchildren, Ellie and Kirby Wirt; sister, Shirley Chandler; brother, William Brumbeloe; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Service, 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 25, 2018, Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Graveside service, 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 27, 2018, Hooker Cemetery, Hooker, Oklahoma, 73945.

Arrangements by Roberts Brothers Funeral Home in Hooker, Oklahoma.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a place Rita loved to visit with her granddaughter, Ellie: http://www.cmzoo.org/index.php/support-the-zoo/donation-programs/memorials-tribute-giving/

Condolences may be left at www.robertsbrothersfuneralhome.com