Marita A. Owens

Marita A. Owens (Ríta), a dedicated and compassionate operating room nurse whose quick wit and steady hands were a comfort to countless patients and colleagues, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025 at her home in El Paso, Texas. She was 85.

Born September 30, 1940 in Marshalltown Iowa, Rita was the daughter of the late Lawrence

"Bud" and Ester Puth. Rita earned her nursing degree from Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital school of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa and began a remarkable career that would span over six decades.

As an OR nurse at Sierra Medical Center and Thomason Hospital (UMC) in El Paso, Texas, Ríta was a vital presence behind the sterile field. She navigated high-stake environments with remarkable composure and precision. Colleagues often spoke of her meticulous attention to detail which ensured the highest standards of patient safety, and her perfectly timed, lighthearted humor to ease tension during the most critical moments. Her commitment to patient safety and surgical excellence was unmatched.

Beyond her professional accolades, Rita was a person of profound integrity and grace. She was an avid community volunteer at the El Paso Texas Flags Across America and a devoted member of her Neighborhood Association. Rita also cherished spending time with her family.

She often boasted about running a doggy daycare for her grand dogs, she faithfully tended to her lavish backyard plants and thoroughly enjoyed watching the annual migration of hummingbirds flying around her patio bird feeders. She will be remembered not only for her contributions to medicine but also for her kindness and strength of character.

Rita is survived by her brother Gus Puth; sister Kay Breitbach; two sons Rick Owens and Roger Owens; daughter, Teresa Owens; three grandchildren, Christen, Amanda and Andrew Owens; and many nieces and nephews. Rita will be greatly missed by all.

• Visitation will be held at 6:00 - 8:00pm Wednesday December 11, 2025 at Sunset FuneralHomes - Northeast 4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, Ix, 79904
• Scripture Service will be held at 9:30am Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Sunset FuneralHomes - Northeast 4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, Ix, 79904
• Committal Service will be held at 10:30am Thursday December 11, 2025 at RestlawnMemorial Park Cemetery - 8700 Dyer Street, El Paso, Ix, 79904