Rita Kay Bauer Avitia

March 9, 1967 - May 28, 2008

Rita Kay Bauer Avitia, 41, of Sterling, died May 28, 2008, in Sterling. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Columbine Park in Sterling, with the Rev. David Baines officiating. Services will conclude at the park.
She was born March 9, 1967, to Leuhard Howard and Harriet Kay (Evans) Bauer in Boulder. She graduated from high school.
Ms. Avitia moved to Sterling from Kilgore, Neb., 11 years ago.
She became a paraplegic from a car accident in 1987. She delivered papers for the Journal-Advocate in Sterling and worked at Wal-Mart.
Ms. Avitia went on to finish her education at Northeastern Junior College and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. In 2007, she graduated from NJC. She was on the Dean's Honor Roll for three years.
She was a member of New Beginnings Outreach, Sota Club at NJC, Psychology Club and Phi Theta Kappa. She was an honor student in Psychology. She enjoyed camping and dancing.
Ms. Avitia is survived by her mother, Kaite Bauer of Sterling; daughter, Shanta Avitia of Sterling; sisters, Peggy Melendez of Sterling and Patti Ray Miller of Aurora; brothers, Eddie Bauer of Florida and Lou Bauer of Denver; and her adopted mother, Ruby Casillas of Sterling.
She was preceded in death by her father, Leuhard Bauer; uncle, Frank Bauer; and grandparents, Frank and Dolly Bauer and Bud Evans.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rita Kay Avitia Memorial in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.