Rita Brower

Rita Tentoni Brower, age 72, passed away on December 5, 2024, in Cedar City, Utah surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born on September 6, 1952, in Boston Massachusetts to Edward Earnest Tentoni and Antonetta Benenati; however, her father passed away when she was very young, and she was raised primarily by her grandparents, Pasquale Benenati and Antonina Maniscalco.
Rita met Samuel Ephraim Brower in California during the summer of 1981 and on August 18, 1984, they were married in a beautiful backyard wedding in Riverside, California. They were later told that they would be unable to have children together. Notwithstanding the diagnosis from several specialists, they would miraculously give birth to three children, Cassandra Renee, Patrick Ephraim, and Amanda Terri. They were determined to raise their children in a more wholesome, family friendly environment, ideally before the kids would have to start school, and in the summer of 1991 moved their young family to Cedar City, Utah. Their oldest daughter Cassie began kindergarten at South Elementary just weeks after arriving in Cedar City.
Rita, our spicy Sicilian, was a passionate collector of anything old and interesting, and was always seeking unique treasures which brought her joy and sparked her curiosity about the world and their origins. She was constantly discovering new sources for her passion of antiquing. She was a resourceful and hard worker, and a tenacious lover of all animals. Whether it was everyday chores around the farm, taking in abandoned animals, or, most recently, tending to a bouquet of pheasants and wild birds, she looked after all living things with a nurturing zeal. She loved the beach, and the warmth summertime brought while working around the yard; always finding a new project to dedicate her time to. Known for her striking silvery white hair, infectious smile, and contagious laugh, she had the ability to make everyone feel at ease. Her outgoing, fun, and spunky personality formed long lasting connections with those who crossed her path. She loved her family with her whole heart, especially her five grandchildren who brought unconditional happiness into her life.
Rita is survived by her husband Sam and children, Cassie Meredith (Josh), Patrick Brower (Allie), and Amanda McMillan (Justin), all of Cedar City, Utah; her brother Edward Tentoni (Deb) of Great Falls, Montana, and her greatest joy, her grandchildren; Karson, Madison, Trevan, Ammin, and Evelyn, as well as many nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters in law, all whom she loved dearly. Rita's father, Eddie Tentoni, passed away when she was only five years old. Throughout her life, she missed growing up and having a relationship with her Dad and longed for an eventual joyous reunion. In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her mother, and her beloved grandparents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday December 13, 2024, at 12:00 pm at the South Mountain Ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 800 S. Laurie Lane Cedar City, UT 84720. Interment will be held at the Cedar City Cemetery immediately following the service. To view a livestream of the service and leave online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.