Rita Tucker passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024 at the age of 95. Rita joins her husband of 40 years, Jack Tucker, her siblings Heinz and Inga Koch, and her beloved son Robert West. Rita was born Rita Frieda Gerta Koch on November 28, 1928 in Weinhausen Abby in Celle Germany to her parents Heinrich Bernhardt Koch and Erna Marie Louise Durfeld.

Rita married her first husband, US Air Force Officer Robert West on January 19, 1957 in Verden Germany. She welcomed her first son Robert Connor West on May 5, 1958 and shortly thereafter mother and son immigrated to the United States, joining her husband in Texas. Rita’s younger son Ronald William West was born December 28, 1963.

Rita was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. With only a 7th grade education and no support, she built a life for herself and her children working hard every day to give her sons the best opportunities she could. Rita was an accomplished antique dealer, managing her business Green Horse Antiques for 60 years. Rita loved every story that came from dealing in things that had a history. One of her favorite pastimes was sharing her own stories with her friends and family. She was a perfect reminder that everyone has a story to share and a unique history.

In 1982 Rita married her knight in shinning armor, Jack Tucker in Cloudcroft New Mexico. She spent these happy years learning to be an accomplished painter, traveling, cooking delicious meals, and spending time loving her family. She leaves behind her daughter in law Janet West, her two granddaughters Katharine Watson and Clarissa West, their spouses Raphael Watson and Graham Larson, and four great grandchildren Michael, Sarah, Teddy, and Ruby Watson.