Rita Shannon

She was born in Carrizozo, NM, March 30, 1937, to Robert Swan and Lupita Lujan.

She proudly served in the United States Army. Mrs. Shannon retired from civil service after working 20 years on Ft. Bliss Army Base in El Paso, TX. She had a passion for walking and reading and did a great deal of both during her retirement. When she could no longer see well enough to read printed books, she was grateful to the Lighthouse for the Blind for providing her with an endless supply of audio books. Though legally blind, she lived independently until May 2021, when she moved to Houston, TX to be with family.

She was affectionately known as Mama Rita. As fiercely independent as she was, she was able to maintain her strength and grace when it was time to allow loved ones to manage her care. Her wit, generosity and kind heart will forever be missed.

Survived by:

Daughter, Toni Blaes Carlos (husband Chris) of Houston, Texas,

Son, Richard Blaes of Connersville, Indiana

Son, Frank Blaes of Lamesa, Texas

Grandson, Robert Blaes of Jacksonville, Florida

Granddaughter, Megan Carlos of Houston, Texas

Brother, Manual Swan (wife Connie) of Albuquerque, NM

Brother, Joseph Swan of Albuquerque, NM

Sister, Gloria Lacey (husband Mike) of Junction City, OH

Sister, Cecilia Lowe of Barstow, CA

Sister, Roberta Vigil of Albuquerque, NM

Sister, Anna Swan of Albuquerque, NM

Preceded in death by:

The love of her life, her husband, Paul Shannon

Son, David Blaes

Brother, Richard Swan

Sister, Emma Pruss

Sister, Mary Calvillo

The family extends special and heartfelt thanks to Encompass Health for their incredibly compassionate and professional hospice care. While she was the center of our world, she never liked to be the center of attention so we are honoring her request not to have a funeral service.