Rita Ann Feldhaus, 79, of Goleta passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2026, following a brief illness. Rita was born March 24, 1947 to John and Ester Castro of San Dimas, California.

She was the oldest of three children and was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother Tom. She is survived by her brother Leon.

Rita’s passing preceded the death of her beloved husband of 35 years, Daniel Joseph Feldhaus, who passed away just one week after Rita.

She is survived by her son Albert Beckner (Linda) of Boulder City, Nevada; stepchildren Dan Feldhaus (Kim) of Santa Barbara, Jeff Feldhaus (Layla) of Encinitas, California, and David Feldhaus (Sarah) of Santa Barbara; and her beloved grandchildren Josh (Cassidy), Nate Feldhaus, Kellen, Reese, Sydney and Shelby Feldhaus.

Rita attended Bonita High School and graduated in 1965. It was during high school that she met her first husband Albert Beckner. Together, they welcomed their son Albert in 1969.

As a young woman, Rita worked for Hughes Aircraft Company and Powertech Technology. Several years later, she reconnected with Dan Feldhaus, who had also attended Bonita High School, and it was not long before the two were married.

After moving to Santa Barbara, Rita began working at Essex Electronics in Carpinteria in 1992. For nearly 30 years she loved her work as a lead inspector and trainer of new employees, and she especially enjoyed the many friendships she formed with her coworkers.

Those friendships continued long after her retirement in 2021. Rita always looked forward to attending the annual Essex Christmas parties, where she could reconnect, catch up, and reminisce with her longtime friends.

Rita faithfully attended Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara for many years. She especially loved her weekly bible study and the dear friends she shared it with. Their love for Rita was evident in her final days, when they gathered around her, praying and singing over her and surrounding her with the same love and comfort she had so freely given to others.

Rita found great joy in gardening and caring for her plants. She had a special talent for creating things with her hands, and especially enjoyed making beautiful jewelry.

She often shared her handmade pieces with family and friends, giving them as thoughtful gifts and keepsakes that will be cherished for years to come.

Rita also treasured the trips she and Dan took to Las Vegas to visit her son. Those visits were especially meaningful to her, and she cherished the time spent together as a family.

Rita’s joyful spirit, generous heart, and sweet laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Yet, those who loved her find comfort in knowing she is now with her Lord in Heaven and reunited with her beloved husband Dan.

A memorial service for Dan and Rita will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Rancho Goleta Lakeside Clubhouse, 945 Ward Drive. Parking is limited. Shuttle service will be provided.