Rita Ann Engel

Mom’s life was like the 4 phases of the moon.

Rita Ann “Wessling”, born in the middle of the Great Depression, in 1932, in Beloit, Kansas. A farm-raised, God-fearing young girl, who learned her sharp wit from her Father, Lee, and her strong work ethic from her Mother, Ann. Rita learned to plow on an old tractor with a steel seat. She attended a one-room school house, wrung chickens by the neck for supper, and handled chores needed for farm life. This was her “New Moon” phase.

Her second moon phase, or “Waxing Moon”, would be a wonderful and difficult time for her. Rita and Walter Theodore Gengler, married and began raising a total of 6 children. During that span was the Korean War, which Dad enlisted and had served. There also was a horrible auto accident back in Kansas, which Dad barely survived, and the warm weather and job opportunity in California, was their next destination. Mom was not only strong and beautiful, but she had good business sense and knew real estate was the best investment. With every penny saved and Dad’s VA loan, they bought a home in Long Beach and rental property in Paramount. Her six kids, with a Catholic school education, never wanted for anything. We were happy and well-fed, lots of cousins and friends around us at all times. This second phase of her moon was about to change with a Husband’s sudden death. With 6 children to raise, I’m sure it seemed daunting to her. Thank God for her strength and faith in our Lord, she endeavored to her next phase.

As sure as all things must pass, her “Full Moon” phase, came to be. Rita Gengler, married Kirk Elmer Engel, who was blessed with 2 young adult, daughters of his own. He was our hero most times. Kirk took Mom’s hand and gave her the best times of her life; fun, laughter, travel, love and security. Then came her beloved many Grandchildren and even more Great-Grandchildren.

Next, the “Crescent or Waning Moon” phase, came after Kirk’s passing in 2014. Rita really showed us all how strong she was, and her never wavering faith in the Lord, helped pull her through another difficult time. Rita Ann was a blessing and a light that has shown for all to see, but Rita was not the moon, her life was. Rita was “Gravity”! Always there, always strong, and always grounding US. “Forever in our hearts”, Rita Ann Wessling Gengler Engel. Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, or affectionately known as Gigi, to so many. We LOVE you.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Cornelius Church.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401