Rita Robison Obituary
We are sad to announce that on August 24, 2018 we had to say goodbye to Rita Robison (Livermore, California), born in Akron, Ohio. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, William 'Billy" Huhn. She is survived by her sister Kathaleen "Kitty" Ghidoni. Rita was known as Mom to 6 children: Debbie, Kenny, Bruce, Patty (spouse Guy), Carol (spouse Tom) and Diane (spouse Chris). She was known as Grandma to 7 grandchildren: Jenny, Justin (spouse Nicole), Michael, Katie, Emily, AJ and Kyle. But her favorite role was Nana to 3 great-grandchildren: Courtni, Cody and Aaliyah. Rita grew up in Akron, Ohio with a large extended family of Aunts and Uncles, and some of her best childhood friends were her cousins. Her first job was in the office of the Akron Woolworth store. It was here that she met her first husband Bill, he worked at Moore Appliance in the same strip mall. His charm swept her off her feet and his charisma won the hearts of her parents. They were married in Lawrenceburg, Indiana on December 7, 1953 - after a 4-week courtship. They started a family and bought their first home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Rita became a stay-at-home mom upon the birth of their first child. In 1963, after the death of Rita's mother they sold their home, packed up their now expanded family of 4 children and moved to California in search of new dreams. They had a travel trailer and Rita had fond memories of camping across America to the Golden State. Rita and Bill bought a house and settled down in San Mateo. However, the California dream was short lived. In 1967, and shortly after the addition of a 5th child, Rita and Bill divorced. Rita kept the house and children. She found a job in the coffee shop of 19th Avenue Bowling Alley in San Mateo – where she worked hard to keep her home and provide for her children. In 1969, Rita was again swept off her feet and the short romance resulted in the birth of her 6th child. In 1974, Rita and her former brother-in-law discovered they had a very special bond. After a year-long courtship, they were married on August 15, 1975. This marriage ended in heartbreak when her new-found love, James Robison, discovered he had terminal cancer and after a short illness he was called to heaven on October 1, 1976. In 1979, with just three children remaining at home, Rita sold the family home and bought a brand-new house in Union City, California. Returning to her roots, she went back to work for a Woolworth Store, this time at Southland Mall, in Hayward. She retired from Woolworths in 1999. To keep busy, she took on a babysitting job with her neighbor friends, Mitch and Mary. She shared a special bond with their oldest child, who was born on her birthday and with special needs. He was always like one of her own. While in Union City, Rita was a season-ticket holder of the Oakland A's games, a member of the fan club and she went to as many games and events as possible. In 1990, with no children left at home, Rita bought her dream house in Tracy, California. To keep busy, she worked part time at the local JC Penney store, babysat grandchildren from time to time and enjoyed meeting new friends and participating in the activities of the Senior Center. In 1997, when the home became too much, Rita downsized to a condominium in Livermore, California where she would live out her golden years. She continued to be involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rita developed a love of the people in the Livermore senior community and participated in many events and trips that the Senior Center organized. Rita loved her A's team and rarely missed a televised game – even through her final days. Rita touched many lives with her gentle spirit, kind heart, warm smile and positive outlook. Memorial services will be Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 11am, at Callaghan Mortuary, Livermore. Reception will follow at Brookmeadow Homeowners Clubhouse at 450 Charlotte Common, Livermore. A private family interment at Skylawn Memorial Park at Hwy 92 & Skyline Blvd will be Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, Rita asked that donations be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
