Rita Marie (Barnes) DeGarmo was born in Colorado Springs, CO in 1960. The youngest of four, daughter of Veronica Lucile Sanborn and Dale Edward Barnes, CO was always her “home” even when her life path had her in IA or MD. As she was not ever big on fanfare or to-dos, we’ve decided to write poetry for her as she used to do for us:

Everyone has a guardian angel,

With feathered wings and a halo,

This Zephyr is always by your side,

Time after time.

Dressed in a long white gown,

Hidden to my view,

The presence is reassuring,

The security is immense.

Danger cringes in the corners,

Seems to know of the protection,

I walk in a solemn straight path,

Thanks to my guardian angel.

Our newest guardian angel is survived by her daughter Suzi (Suzan), son Phil (Philip), daughter-in-law Kristi and a brood of grandchildren. Kenny, Cori, Tabi, Jordan, Wasis, and Wyatt will be forever protected, loved, and watched over from above. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24th with final details pending - details will eventually be published in the Canon City Daily Record. If you’d like to make a donation towards the funeral expenses, please contact Kristi or Suzi privately.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Rita DeGarmo hosted by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. and Crematory.