Rita Louise Hammond

Rita L. Hammond 80, passed away February 17, 2018 in West Jordan surrounded by her children, grandchildren and her beloved three cats. Rita was born August 11, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to parents Elizabeth and Everal Stephens. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Pennsylvania where her brother James was born in 1940. Rita's family moved again a few years later and settled in Bellflower, California. She graduated from Bellflower High School in 1955. Rita married William Boyd on November 8, 1958. The couple moved to Corona, California and started a family. They had two children, Darin in 1964 and Wendy in 1967. Rita and Bill divorced in 1976. After the divorce, she went back to college and received her Associates Degree from Riverside City College. In 1983 Rita married John Hammond and they moved to Riverside, California. She retired from Sweetheart Cup Company in 1992 and her and John followed her children to Utah. She spent her retirement volunteering at Jordan Valley Hospital, caring for her grandchildren while their parents worked, taking frequent trips to Wendover and reading. Rita's last year was spent living with her daughter Wendy and her family. She enjoyed watching Animal Planet, The Big Band Theory and eating Little Debbie's snack cakes for breakfast. Rita passed away on February 17th due to complications from a fall. She is survived by her children Darin (Aleas) Boyd and Wendy (John) Wilson; grandchildren Vienna (Rob) Goates, Jared Boyd, Chloe (Daniel) Westenhaver, Jordan Wilson and Haylee Wilson; great-grandchildren Magnolia, Archer and Ansel Goates; and brother James (Elizabeth) Stephens. Rita was preceded in death by her husband John Hammond; and both of her parents. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 24th 11:00 a.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road Taylorsville, Utah. Place of Birth:Detroit, MichiganPlace of Death:West Jordan, Utah