Rita Calvert

1939 - 2023

Rita Ann Calvert

10/01/1939 - 04/23/2023

Rita Ann Calvert, 83, of Santa Maria, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023. Rita was born in Pomeroy, Ohio on October 1, 1939, to Oscar and Frances (Lippi) Scholl. Rita was the middle of three daughters and graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1957. She earned her Registered Nursing degree from Holzer Nursing Academy in Gallipolis, Ohio before marrying her high school sweetheart, Ronnie Lee Calvert, on February 19, 1960. Rita and Ronnie moved to Santa Maria, California in 1961, when Ronnie joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Upon moving to California, Rita found her calling at Marian Medical Center, which was then located on College Drive. She truly loved her work. She worked in pediatrics, eventually working her way up to ICU/CCU Nurse Manager. She worked at Marian Medical Center for 45 years before retiring and always said she would still be there if she could! She had an incredible work ethic, was well respected by everyone at the hospital and was a mentor to many there. She made many close friendships there that still endure today.

Rita enjoyed music, reading, shopping, playing games and spending time with her many friends, including a special friendship with a small group of ladies for the last 30 years that still celebrate birthdays together. Rita loved her family. She loved her beautiful daughters so much and was very proud of their accomplishments and successes. She adored her grandchildren and loved to spoil them. Rita was happily married for 46 years.

She always longed to return to her hometown of Pomeroy, Ohio. She missed her far-away sisters and family terribly. Some of her happiest days were spent visiting and spending time there.

Rita's family would like to especially thank Kiaran Rust and family and Kathie Kaiser for always being there, Nancy Felton, the caregivers and staff at Merrill Gardens and Marian Hospice.

Rita is survived by her daughters Angela Bettiga (Jeff) of Orcutt, CA and Amy Borges (Chris) of Vandenberg Village, CA; sisters Norma Harrah of Vandalia, OH and Marlene Harrison (Dale) of Pomeroy, OH; grandchildren Samantha Bettiga (Kate) of San Diego, CA, Jacob Bettiga (Novalee) of Petersburg, AK, Steven Borges of Vandenberg Village, CA and Kevin Borges of Vandenberg Village, CA; nieces and nephew Rebecca Harrah, Brenda Southwell (Bob), Scott Harrison (Beth) and Jodi Shultz (Delmer).

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Frances Scholl, husband Ronnie Calvert and brother-in-law William Harrah.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 in the Chapel at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of Rita's life will be held following the memorial service at the Far Western Tavern in Old Orcutt at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Foundation; online at chla.org, by phone 323.361.3850, by mail 4650 Sunset Blvd, MS#29, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.