Rita Esther Gamboni passed away July 8, 2012 at St. Joseph Hospital at the age of 78. Rita was born May 24, 1934, to Eugene and Mary Mogni. She lived most of her life in Ferndale, California.

In 1953 she married Joseph Gamboni and immediately settled into the dairy life, which she loved.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Joe; sister, Alma Bognuda; in-laws, Val and Savina Gamboni; Raymond Gamboni; Irene Laffranchi; Carolyn Sutton; and Betty Mogni.

She is survived by her two daughters, Ray (Terry) Shinn, Barbara Brightman and partner Bill Jones; brother Lino Mogni; and grandchildren, Jodie (Chris) Coleman, Joe (Kodie) Shinn, Travis Shinn, Ted (Jenny) Shinn and Tim (Jodi) Shinn; great-grandchildren, T.J. and Zane Coleman, Riley and Blair Shinn, Emily, Jesse, Cayden and Gaige Shinn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family meant the world to mom. She loved all the holidays and especially loved decorating for them. She and dad loved the occasional trip to Reno and then back home in a couple of days. There also was the annual sausage making that she took over when dad died.

The last few years had been a challenge for mom but she was one tough fighter and never gave up. She was such a positive person. God could not have picked a more perfect mother, grandmother or “Noni” for all of us.

Casket bearers were her grandchildren.

Special thanks to Theresa, Mary, Gayle and Cheryl for all of the wonderful care given to mom.

Friends and family were invited to a visitation at Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary on July 11, with funeral services held on Thursday, July 12, at Assumption Catholic Church in Ferndale, followed by interment at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka, California.

Memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity.

Arrangements were under the care of Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna, California.

Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.