Rita Patton Robinson of Naples, Florida, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

Rita Patton Robinson lived for several decades in Santa Barbara, raising her family, singing in local productions and church festivities, and serving as a tennis instructor — including as SBCC’s second women’s tennis coach.
Rita Patton Robinson lived for several decades in Santa Barbara, raising her family, singing in local productions and church festivities, and serving as a tennis instructor — including as SBCC’s second women’s tennis coach. Credit: Patton family photo

She was born to Catherine and Robert Therry of North Chicago, Illinois, on February 21, 1930.

Rita, a girl of boundless spirit, graduated from Waukegan Township High School in Waukegan, Illinois, with the gift of an angelic voice.

She received a degree in music at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and received a fellowship to continue her music study in Sweden but turned it down to marry a school mate, Philip Patton.

Together, Rita and Phil had seven children, two of whom — Maureen and Therese — preceded Rita in death.

She is survived by her living children, Greg Patton (Christa), Mark Patton (Theresa), Kevin Patton, Sean Patton and Colleen Patton (Steve).

She is also survived by grandchildren Amy Haswell, Kara Pizano, Megan Patton, Caitlyn Patton, Chelsea Patton, Garrett Patton and Cori Patton-Lossner; and six great-grandchildren, J.P. Ramirez, Christian Ramirez, Ciara Ramirez, Cruz Pizano, Sam Haswell and Ben Haswell.

Rita lived for several decades in Santa Barbara, California, raising her family, singing in local productions and church festivities, and serving as a tennis instructor.

She coached tennis and basketball at Marymount School in Santa Barbara and later became the second women’s tennis coach at Santa Barbara City College.

Her husband, Phil, went to be with the Lord in 1971.

She later married Richard Robinson, who preceded her in death in 2009, living with him in Wheeling, West Virginia, and Naples, Florida.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Cynthia Vargo, Chris Hagerty (Jim) and Winifred Robinson (Manuel).

She is also survived by her brothers, Robert and Jim Therry, and sisters Loretta Salata and Tina Gonzalez.

Funeral services were held January 23, 2012 at Restoration Church, 13510 Tamiami Trail North in Naples, where Rita was a devoted member. Burial followed at Palm Royale Cemetery in Naples.

Arrangements were by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home in Bonita Springs, Florida.