Rita Dunton

Rita Dunton, 91, of Saratoga, CA passed away on August 22, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Rita was born March 22, 1932, to Daniel Wayne and Lena “Bee” Ashcraft in Kerrville, Texas. The family then moved to Brownwood, Missouri where she grew up and graduated as Salutatorian from Advance High School. Rita attended nursing school at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She became a Registered Nurse and ultimately head nurse on a surgical floor. A patient under her care wanted Rita to meet her brother, Bill, who would become her husband and constant companion for the rest of her life.
Rita and Bill were married in 1960 and moved several times across the country before landing in California, first in Long Beach in 1963 and finally settling in Saratoga in 1971.
An active participant in her children’s lives, Rita was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Boy Scouts Den Mother, and Little League Team Mom. Rita served as PTA Treasurer, room mother, and co-chaired the Saratoga Music Boosters, contributing her time and talents to support the local music programs. Rita and her family were members of St. Andrew’s Church where Rita volunteered in the office addressing the church newsletter and served as nurse for Camp St. Andrew’s summer camp.
In her spare time, Rita canned apricot jam and apple butter and baked peach cobbler and apple pies from the fruit trees in their yard. Each Fall she enjoyed making pumpkin bread to give to family and friends during the holidays.
After her children were grown, Rita and Bill took many cross-country road trips to visit extended family and friends. Rita was an avid fan of the SF Giants and SF 49ers and she and Bill watched all their games.
Rita is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 63 years; her three children: Tina (Tyler) French, Cheri Dunton, William (Lori) Dunton; and two grandchildren: William and Lydia Dunton. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her four brothers: Mike, Bobby, Charles, and Tony.
Rita will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be remembered and cherished forever.
Services will be held September 15 at 11:30 AM at Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills in Los Gatos, with a visitation immediately preceding.
Donations honoring Rita’s memory are welcomed to support Goldfarb School of Nursing at The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Memorial contributions may be sent to 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140 St. Louis, MO 63110 or submitted online at www.foundationbarnesjewish.org , or to the charity of your choice.

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