Rita Marie Kochera (née Rote), first daughter and third of seven children, was born on August 1, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph B. Rote, a carpenter, and his wife Mary H. Rote (née Kunath), both of whom preceded her in death.

Rita grew up on the west side of Cleveland and graduated from St. James Elementary School and John Marshall High School in 1960. After high school, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator and in a bakery.

On June 30, 1962, Rita married Joseph "Jake" Anthony Kochera. Together they had five children: Desiree Ann, Jessica Lynn, Margaret Mary, Letitia (Tish) Janine, and Joseph Anthony. In November 1969, Rita and Jake moved to Eagle, Colorado, where they built a home in Upper Kaibab and lovingly raised their family.

Rita was a savvy, hardworking woman who was deeply devoted to providing for her family. Over the years, she took on various small jobs, including running a newspaper delivery route and maintaining a productive worm farm. She was also an exceptional cook. Family favorites included pizza night, chicken paprikash, and beef burgundy. Rita canned vegetables, raised chickens, and baked bread, all of which were always delicious.

One favorite family memory was the day the children brought home their first batch of baby chicks. What was expected to be a simple task quickly turned into laughter and chaos as the chicks scattered throughout the garage, hiding in every corner.

Rita also enjoyed crocheting and created beautiful doilies that decorated the family home. She loved to travel and, after Jake's passing, shared many adventures with Gilbert Gonzales. Together, they enjoyed cruising the world, with the Caribbean among their favorite destinations.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Rote; her brother George; her sister Heidi; her grandson Eric; and her beloved husband of 44 years, Jake Kochera.

She is survived by her brothers: Edward, Bernard (Ginny), and Martin (Pamela); her sister Mitzi (Jeff); her children: Desiree Moore (Kenneth), Jessica Hollis (Grant), Margo Huff (Jeff), Tish Allacher (Matt), and Joe Kochera (Annie); and her grandchildren: Grant James and Greg Hollis; Mitchel, Mark, and Mariah Painter, Jared, Jason, and Jamie Allacher, Sarah Ogilvie; and Amanda Kochera.

She works willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13

Memorial services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. George Catholic Church, 259 West 200 North, St. George, Utah.