Rita Jo Velasco-Turnbeaugh

Rita Jo Velasco-Turnbeaugh passed away on September 6, 2019, in Pocatello Idaho. Rita was born on July 10, 1975 to Joe Jesus Velasco, and Debi Sorensen (Petty) in Pocatello, Idaho.

Throughout Rita's childhood she was always known to be quite talkative and had a playful and fun personality, even from just a young age. Rita was about 8 years old upon moving and growing up at FMC Park, and she loved every minute of it. Rita spent a lot of time with her sisters, her aunts, and her cousins and she had a special relationship with each one of them. Rita attended Jefferson Elementary, Irving Jr. High, and graduated High School in 1993 from Pocatello High School. After high school, Rita then worked mostly in Real Estate Business as a Mortgage Loan Processor.

Rita got married to Benjamin Turnbeaugh in the year of 1994. They are the parents of their only child, Cortney Turnbeaugh. Rita and Ben's marriage later ended in the year of 2008. She devoted the rest of her life to her daughter, and they had an exceptionally close relationship.

Above all, the highlight of Rita's life was when her daughter Cortney, was born. Rita loved Cortney more than anything in the world. She was so proud of Cortney, and was amazed everyday by how beautiful her daughter was and the fact that she has always had such a big heart. From the day Cortney was born, Rita was truly an exceptional mother.

She had one of the most outgoing personalities and loved to do all she could for her loved ones as well as those within the community. Rita loved to be outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family. She would spend many of her free days camping, or sitting on the river with her feet in the water. Rita also loved animals, and would save or help any animal she could with the utmost love. Rita had a passion for football as well, and she was a big fan of the Oakland Raiders. She loved to listen to music and laugh with everyone around her.

Rita also had an amazing relationship with her mother and they were the best of friends. She was loved by many amazing friends as well, and will be remembered by her sweet smile, infectious laugh, her love for others, and her ability of seeing only the good in everyone whose path she crossed.

Rita is survived by her daughter Cortney Turnbeaugh, mother Debi, and step-father Kent Sorensen, of Pocatello, Idaho. She is also survived by her beloved puppy Lilly, her three sisters Lisa (Kevin) Armstrong of Pocatello, Idaho, Tammy (Michael) Quarve of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Lani Allen of Pocatello, Idaho, as well as her grandmother Celia Velasco, also of Pocatello, Idaho. Rita had many aunts, uncles, and cousins, who loved her dearly, that she will be remembered by.

She was preceded in death by her father Joe Velasco Jr., her grandfather Joe Velasco Sr., and her maternal grandparents Fay Petty and George L. Petty.

There will be a ‘Celebration of Life' held in Rita's honor at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019, located at FMC Park, 10811 Rio Vista Rd., Pocatello, Idaho 83202.

For assistance with directions, please call or text Cortney or Debi. Wilks Funeral Home can also help provide directions and can be reached at 208-238-8000.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "tribute wall" tab above.