Rita Ann Werito

Rita Ann Dahasbah Werito was born October 20, 1933, to Frank and Nellie Yazzie in Chaco Canyon, NM. She was the 5th child of 7 children. Her mother died when Rita was 12 years old and was raised by her father. Having five brothers and raised by a single father, she grew up a hard-working lady. Her father taught her how to weave Navajo rugs.

Rita accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age. She had unwavering steadfast faith in our Heavenly Father. She loved going to church to worship and learn more about God’s Word. She was sought out to pray for family and friends. I would call her a Prayer Warrior.

 She attended Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, UT to the 5th grade. There she learned occupational skills and excelled in cooking. She was known for her delicious meals that she made for family and friends. She was employed in various occupations but primarily worked as school cook. She retired from Navajo Academy School as a cook in 1995. 

Rita married Bobby Werito in 1954 and made Farmington her hometown. She gave birth to five children: Walter Werito, Clifford Werito, Barbara Whiston, Belinda Werito (deceased), and Bita Roanhorse. 

She enjoyed sewing and made her daughter’s dresses. Rita was a ranch gal, pitching in with sheep, horse and cattle ranching for her father. As a young adult she was entrusted to own her own cattle to raise and sell.

She loved her children but had a special love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her face would light up and her smile was ear to ear when they were around her.

Proceeding her in death is her loving husband Bobby Werito, daughter Belinda Werito, parents Frank P. Yazzie and Nellie Yazzie, brothers Harry Yazzie, Willie Yazzie, Alfred Yazzie, Thomas Yazzie, and Gilbert Yazzie.

Rita is survived by sons Walter Werito and Clifford Werito, daughters Barbara Whiston and Bita Roanhorse, grandchildren Kyle Werito, Kourtney Werito, Kevin Werito, Cholakocee Werito, Rochelle Werito, Mitchel Werito, Ty Cayatineto, Luke Paul, and Tabatha Antonio, great grandchildren Nathan Werito, Colin Werito, Leah Nord, Ema Nord, Mya Nord, Carter Werito, Olivia Werito, Lukas Werito, Tyrell Antonio, and Kody Antonio

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 am at World Harvest Center Church officiated by Cheryl Lindsey. Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 12:15 pm. A reception to follow at World Harvest Center Church. 

Pallbearers are Luke Paul, Tyrell Antonio, Kody Antonio, Kevin Werito, Nathan Werito, and Colin Werito.