Margarita E. “Rita” Crittenden, 86, passed away on Friday (July 24, 2026) at home surrounded by family.
Mrs. Crittenden was born on October 16, 1939 in Solingen, Germany to Gerhard and Maria (Bonefass) Wirtz. She graduated from Realschule plus Manderscheid in Manderscheid, Germany. On December 10, 1958, at the Kirche Manderscheid, she married Wayne E. Crittnden, who survives.
Rita devoted herself to the task of a homemaker; tending to the needs of her husband and their two sons. In the 1980’s she worked for Jules in Fort Worth, Texas in retail clothing.
In addition to her husband of 67 years, Rita is survived by two sons, Thomas Crittenden of Fort Worth, Texas and Steve (Corby) Crittenden of Burleson, Texas; a grandson, Brian (Caroline) Crittenden and a great-granddaughter, Scout Crittenden.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Gerhard Wirtz and Nikolaus Wirtz.
Rita was an excellent gardener and loved her many variety of flowers. She greatly enjoyed nature and the beautiful scenery of outdoors and she loved to travel. As the wife of a United States Air Force Career Airman, she had plenty of opportunities to fulfill her interests. She was stationed with her husband in Montana, Nebraska, New York, Alabama and Germany and had the pleasure of vacations to Glacier National Park, Badlands and Custer State Park to name a few. She always looked forward to her many trips back to her native Germany to visit family and old friends.
In retirement years, Rita tolerated life in Whitesville, the childhood home of her husband, but loved wintering in Fort Worth, Texas to be near her grandson.
After 68 years of marriage, her husband describes his wife as stunningly pretty, extremely kind, a lover of animals and devoted to the simple life.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no prior visitation. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at Baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions may Rita’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
