Rita Lee Schmidt

Rita Lee Crawford Schmidt, lovingly known as Mimi, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 84.

Rita was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where her independent spirit and love for adventure first took root. She later became a longtime resident of Littleton, Colorado, and El Paso, Texas - two places that she proudly called home. 

In 1969, Rita moved to El Paso, where she raised her three children and built a life centered on family, curiosity, and service to others. She began her professional journey as a TWA flight attendant, a role perfectly suited to her adventurous heart and love of connecting with people. Eventually, she followed her passion for shaping young minds and became a teacher. 

Rita taught Earth Science at Morehead Junior High School in the El Paso Independent School District for 17 years, where she inspired countless students with her enthusiasm, warmth, and ability to truly see each child. In 1995, she moved to Littleton, Colorado, to be closer to her children and continued teaching physical science at Summit Ridge Middle School for 11 more years. Rita had a rare gift for connecting with children, encouraging curiosity, and helping students believe in themselves.

 After retiring from Jefferson County Public Schools in 2006, Rita embraced life to the fullest. She traveled the world, skied with friends and family, played tennis, rescued dogs, attended Silver Sneakers, devoured books, and hiked Colorado’s 14ers. She was admired in the outdoor community for her boundless energy, adventurous spirit, and joyful determination. 

Above all else, Rita adored her family. She loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure and never missed a soccer game, school performance, art show, or family dinner - especially if cheeseburgers and fries were involved. Mimi was free-spirited, kind, and endlessly funny. She had an incredible way of lifting others up, always reminding anyone who was struggling to stay “positive, positive, positive.” 

She took immense pride in her family and found joy in life’s simple pleasures: grilled cheese sandwiches, dogs, playing dominos, Dancing Queen by ABBA, and sharing photos from her many travels. Her laughter, encouragement, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Rita is survived by her sons, Howard (Jennifer) and Justin (Debbie), and her daughter, Andrea (Rodney), along with her beloved grandchildren and extended family who brought her endless joy. 

Mimi’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the love she gave so freely. She will be remembered always for her adventurous heart, her infectious smile, and her constant reminder to choose positivity.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Heart Association.