It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Rita E. (Heske) Nelson who passed peacefully on Monday September 15, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado after a brief illness. Rita was surrounded by family and friends. Rita was 82 years old, born on May 4, 1943 in Queens, New York to parents Walter and Marion (Thompson) Heske who predeceased her in death.

Rita is survived by her loving brother Walter J. Heske (Grace), niece Christine (Mark), nephew Matthew, grand nieces Lucy, Clara and Alice, grand nephew Leo, dearest friend Malinda and former spouse Robert.

Rita graduated from Dominican Commercial HS in Queens, New York. She pursued  a secretarial career starting out at the Western Electric Co. and then moving to various financial corporations upon relocating to Colorado.

Her hobbies included horseback riding becoming an accomplished equestrian, golfing, gardening, tending to her pets and spending time at ocean beaches. She also enjoyed being an advocate of animal rights groups. 

Rita’s wishes were to be cremated and that her cremains be interred at the Gate of Heaven cemetery in Valhalla, New York where her parents are interred.

Rita requested a private funeral service. A Celebration of Life is to take place in the coming year.