JoRita Maravilla

JoRita Maravilla passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and loyalty. Born on November 12, 1952 to Joseph and Bertha Maravilla in Nampa, Idaho, JoRita remained a dedicated family member and friend throughout her life. She attended St. Anthony Parochial Catholic School, Franklin Junior High, and graduated from Pocatello High School with the Class of 1971. As the eldest sibling, JoRita naturally filled the role of caretaker with a strong moral compass to go with it. Starting work early to aid in the support of her family and later caring for her mother in her later years. Some of her earlier life’s employment included the Pocatello Public Library as a Librarian’s Assistant, an Operator at Mountain Bell, as well as a Cashier at Grand Central.

JoRita had a wealth of talents: from her beautiful singing voice to her natural ability to learn new things and then to pass it on to her siblings and nieces and nephews. While she may not have shared her culinary skills with her sister Nina, JoRita’s cooking—especially her vegetable lasagna and enchiladas—will be fondly remembered.

Her loyalty to her loved ones knew no bounds and she found joy in sharing life with her family, especially her sister Nina, to whom she was incredibly close. As an aunt, she enjoyed the company of her nieces and nephews, and later, her great-nieces and nephews. JoRita's love for them showed in the little songs she would create, weaving their names into playful jingles. She was a voracious reader, an avid movie enthusiast, and had a fascination with scary things. With her quick wit, JoRita could turn any conversation into an adventure. Her tales punctuated by facts, dreams, or humor kept any listener captivated. JoRita had a unique way of transforming even the simplest conversations into unforgettable stories, and often times for a lot longer than anticipated and making you wonder if it was factual or fictional. Either way, her family will forever cherish these reminders of her, grateful for the stories, wisdom, and laughter she brought into their lives.

In her quiet moments, JoRita found peace in writing poetry, completing crossword puzzles, and leaving behind letters and notes that reflected her beautiful penmanship and gift for words. While her life’s radius remained close to home, JoRita poured her heart and creativity into everything she did and JoRita’s endless curiosity made her be thought of as a "walking encyclopedia." This especially came in handy when she would assist in helping others with their homework assignments.

To those who knew her from afar, she might have seemed eccentric, and she was! But to her family, she was simply just ‘JoRita.’ JoRita’s love and presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created—her songs, her stories, her care—will remain alive in the hearts of those who loved her. JoRita was a loving sister, daughter, aunt, and friend.

JoRita is preceded in death by her parents; Joseph and Bertha Maravilla, an infant brother, Albert Maravilla, as well as a loving nephew, Joseph Jerry Maravilla.

JoRita is survived by siblings; Nina Maravilla, Abel Maravilla, Lewis (Jane) Maravilla, and Darrell (Kita) Maravilla, Kim (Jesse) Martynack. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their spouses and children.

There will be a Rosary held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10 am at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho 83202. A graveside service will follow at 11 am at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83201.

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