Rita Carmen Davis

Rita Carmen Davis, 86, passed away on October 9, 2018. She was born on December 26, 1931 in Moriarty, New Mexico to the late Lauriano and Eufracia (Martinez) Anaya. Rita was a lifetime resident of Moriarty and a very active member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. She was a member of its Ladies Society and loved volunteering for all the church functions.  Right out of high school at just 17 years of age Rita served as secretary to the superintendent of the Torrance County School District.  She was the very first City Clerk for Moriarty. Since the town had just created the position and had no actual building, the enclosed front porch of John and Rita’s house became a temporary city clerk office. She proudly served as city clerk for 26 years. Rita and John had a weather station on their property, from which they conducted Aviation Observation for the National Weather Service for over 40 years.  Rita also served as the Torrance County Treasurer for several years. She truly was a pillar of her community. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Davis; daughter, Angie Davis-Bynum; brothers Filandro Anaya, Ralph Anaya, and Antonio Anaya; and sister Mary Manuelita “Cookie” Konz. Rita is survived by her sons, John Wayne Davis of Roswell, NM and Joe Davis of Liberal, KS; daughter, Monica Astorga and husband Onofre “Opie” of Dodge City, KS; brothers, Mike Anaya and wife Mary of Moriarty, NM, Tomey Anaya of Albuquerque, NM, Gabe Anaya of Las Cruces, NM, Toney Anaya and wife Elaine of Santa Fe, NM, and Carlos Anaya and wife Shari of Moriarty, NM; sister, Mary Jaramillo and husband Pat of Odessa, TX and grandchildren, Brianna Day and husband Jamie, Jeromy Bynum and Stefani Katz and husband Tyler. Rita was blessed with two great grandchildren, Addyson and Macie Day. She is also mourned by numerous nieces and nephews.  A Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at the Harris Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, NM from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Moriarty, NM. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. and the Celebration of Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Boe Davis, Freddie Anaya, George Davis, Steve Anaya, George Fogleman and Carlos Jaramillo. Honorary Pallbearers will be Toney Anaya Jr., Richard Anaya, Matthew Anaya, Joel Fogleman, C.J. Davis, Jason Davis and Louie Anaya.