May 18, 1940 – March 25, 2025
It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Rita Alice March. She passed away peacefully on March 25th 2025 with her daughters by her side. She joined her soulmate of almost 70 years. They are together again, enjoying the most amazing view.
Mom was born on May 18th, 1940 in Oakland California to Roy and Mary Summerfield. She attended schools in the area and graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1958. In 1955, during high school, she met and fell in love with Robert March. After high school, while waiting for Dad to return from the Navy, she became a dental assistant. They were married in 1960 and moved to beautiful Scott Valley the next day. This is where they would stay and raise their family. Mom was a city girl, but she completely embraced and learned the Ag/country life of living. She did not know pickles came from cucumbers, but she left this world being known for her pickles that will never be replaced. She even shot a buck with her little rifle and no scope.
They moved from the little house in Etna to the 5M ranch in 1972, together fulfilling their dream. Mom had been working as a CNA at the hospital, but then became a fulltime mother and ranch wife. This included many pigs, cows, chickens, horses and huge ranch meals. She was awarded the 2014 Siskiyou County Cattlewoman of the Year and in 2018 she was awarded the Siskiyou County Pioneer Beef Woman of the Year.
She will definitely be remembered for her baking, canning, gardening and the rainbow of color in her yard. Her cellar was a variety of color from her garden. The cellar was off limits until the first snow fall on Goosenest mountain. There was a jar of this and that that was snuck out without her knowing.
Mom was involved in so much. She volunteered with hospice for years, was instrumental in the Native Daughters, 4-H swine and cooking leader for over 18 years, helped with the calf riding during Etna Rodeos, and her big passion the Siskiyou County Cattlewomen Association. And of course, her special group of Baggett’s that would meet once a month for lunch. She enjoyed her oysters and glass of champagne at the Denny Bar with her good friends. Mom wallpapered numerous homes in Siskiyou County and she was big into her genealogy. She took great pride into donating her baked goods for auctions that would support the FFA, sports and gun organizations. She was especially famous for her tiramisu and trifle.
Mom was a classy sassy woman, always dressed to the T with matching shoes and a brooch. She had the most amazing silver hair. Her genuine laugh and clapping with excitement will forever be remembered. Her love and zest for life was contagious. She loved to sing and dance. If a good song came on, you could not stop her from showing her moves.
Her greatest joy was her family. She was proud of each and every one of us. She would travel near and far to participate in our accomplishments, always with a meal prepared. She did not want to miss one thing we did. Her life was truly full being a nana and nannie. Her world lit up talking about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was our pillar, glue, teacher, coach, counselor and the best wife, mother, nana and nannie we could have ever been blessed with.
She is survived by her children: Debbie March (Alan), Michael March, Susan Henninger (Larry). Her grandchildren: Brandon McEwen (Shimal), Allison March, Levi White, Brit March (Spencer), Todd Bartlett (Hailee) and Shelby Bartlett. Her great grandchildren: Elliott Bartlett, Scout Bartlett, Season Bartlett, Tristan Bartlett, Carson McEwen and Caleb McEwen. Her sister Alice Herbertson (Lester). Brother-in-law Bill March (Marcie) and sister-in-law Janet. Numerous nieces and nephews. Special people Edward Bartlett, Lori March and Australian Daughter Diane Morgan.
She is preceded in death by her husband Robert March, parents Roy and Mary Summerfield, sister Kathy and brother Eddie.
Mom and Dad were proud of their beautiful home. We will have a gathering at the ranch in the future to celebrate our amazing parents and grandparents.
Mom was passionate about the Scott Valley scholarships, Cattlewoman’s, hospice and St. Jude’s.
Boogie on Momma, Nana, Nannie. We love and miss you.
sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
I am so sad to hear this news. Rita was always a second mom during my school years in the valley and a dear friend always. She will missed so much. Sending much love and many warm hugs to Debbie, Mike, Susan and the rest of the family.