Rita Gidcumb

Rita Gidcumb, 78, of Page, Arizona passed away December 17, 2006 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born December 31, 1927 in Phoenix, Arizona to Lucille
(Minwegan) and Charles "Elzar" Laurent.

Rita attended Catholic schools
throughout her childhood and graduated from St. Mary's in Phoenix. While attending business college she met Charles M. Gidcumb and they married on
January 11, 1948. Soon children began arriving, and Rita stayed home with them while Charlie worked at Salt River Project. She always stressed the importance of education to her children. The family relocated to Page,
Arizona in 1970 when the Navajo Generating Station was being built. Rita enjoyed many different activities throughout her life including painting,
playing the piano, bowling, tennis, hiking, and biking. She volunteered at her children's elementary schools, Page Hospital Auxiliary, and Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Page and Queen of Peace Church in
Quartzsite,AZ. In her later years Rita enjoyed the camaraderie at the Page Senior Center.

Rita was predeceased by her son, Charles M. Gidcumb Jr., and her husband Charlie. Survivors include her three daughters: Marie Rider of Quartzsite, AZ; Lucy Clayton (Andy) of St. Simons Island, GA; and Carol Holland (Barney) of El Cajon, CA; her seven grandchildren: Mary Caballer (Perrin), Tim Rider; Bethany, Daniel and Gennie Clayton; Amanda and Joseph Holland; and two great-grandchildren: Perrin and Bianca
Caballer.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am Friday, December 29, 2006 with
funeral service following at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in
Page, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society, St. Vincent De Paul or a favorite charity.

Arrangements are being handled through Norvel Owens Mortuary of Flagstaff, AZ.