Rita Frances Loken

With heavy and grateful hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rita Loken, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved member of the Bakersfield community. Our "French Firecracker" was born on July 4, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Emma and Narcisse Pouliot. She was the youngest of 5 children. Mom married the love of her life and favorite dance partner, Herb Loken, June 1949. Their Catholic faith was the center of their life, intertwined with family life. A close follow up was music and dancing. A move to Bakersfield in 1956 began their life with Bakersfield College, as their second family. Our dear mother gave her considerable energy to Right to Life and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and School activities. Rita is survived by her five daughters: Mary (Tony Cornett), Amy (Sam Ochoa), Ellen (Ron Bertolucci), Marty (Cletis McCoy), and Clare (Todd Barksdale). In addition Rita is survived by 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Hoffman Hospice for their wonderful services, as well as Mom's care companion Claudia Sarti. Celebration of Life will be held September 5 with a 9:30 am Rosary followed my 10:00 am Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church . Rita Frances Loken July 4, 1926 - August 4, 2025 Bakersfield -