Rita Gehred Botkin

Age 82, died peacefully, Friday, January 24, 2014 in Albuquerque, surrounded by loving family. She was born in Rockford, December 27, 1931, the middle child of Rose Drago Ingrassia and Anthony Salvatore Ingrassia. She graduated from Rockford High School at age 16, and went on to graduate with honors from Beloit College with a B.A. degree in English. Rita taught English in Rockford until marrying Thomas Allen Gehred on June 15, 1955 and settling in southeastern Wisconsin. Raising their nine children became her life's work and joy. As an empty-nester, Rita resumed teaching as a substitute in Waukesha County schools, raising money to take worldwide adventures. Rita eventually made it to all the continents save Antarctica, relishing each experience. After the death of Tom on October 12, 1993, Rita moved to the southwest, settling in Albuquerque in the Sandia foothills. She married Ronald "Bo" Botkin on August 7, 2001, sharing a love of golf, table tennis, bowling and travel. Rita was a founding member of the Wandering Star Campers. She was also a member of the Happy Hoofers Hiking Club, Bear Canyon Senior Center. She loved the arts, literary short stories, opera, nature, and lifelong learning opportunities. She had a deep faith and felt at home at First Unitarian Church. Rita is survived by her husband, Bo and sister, Camille Kiegel; seven of her nine children and their spouses; four stepchildren and their spouses; twenty-two grandchildren and one great grandchild, as well as eight step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. In addition, she had extended family and friends that were dear to her. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Anthony, and first husband, as well as her sons, Mike and Jim Gehred. A service honoring her life will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas Chapel, in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in her name to Doctors Without Borders,doctorswithoutborders.org, or the American Cancer Society, americancancersociety.org.