Rita Ponce Lockwood

Rita was born in the old Torrance Hospital on Engracia ave, in Torrance Ca, on July20th 1949. Rita grew up in the old La Rana Community on Del Amo Blvd, when it was a dead-end street. As I remember, if you were not from La Rana, it was best you not to go down there either. Rita also attended Torrance High School.

Rita Married Randall Babb, and in 1976, they bought a house on Andres ave in Torrance. There Rita raised three girls, Ronda, Ranita and Rhoda Babb. In July of 1982 Randy died unexpectedly in their home. Rita eventually married Gary Alford while at the house on Andres ave, and they divorced in 2006. At this time Rita had her name changed back to Ponce. After leaving her house on Andres ave, Rita got a little apartment in Torrance. She moved back and forth between the apartment and her daughter Rhoda’s, for years.

Rita had several jobs working with people. Three of them were working at Torrance police station, at Torrance Memorial Hosp, and in 2005 Rita went to work for Macy's in Torrance. During this time one of her best friends was Denise. Although Denise moved out of state, Rita and Denise stayed close always supporting each other!

Rita’s sobriety date is Jan 1st, 2008. I (Del Lockwood) met Rita in Feb 2008. At TLC Club in Torrance. John C. introduced me to Rita, and we started seeing each other. Rita lost her daughter Ronda in Colorado, un-expectedly in Oct of 2008. Of an Aneurysm. Which hurt terribly!

Rita Loved motorcycles, and riding. We loved to ride up and down the coast, endless trips Through the mountains! Trips to Yosemite and Arizona bike week. We rode also on all the poker runs for the South Bay Roundup and other A-A events.

Rita Loved Alcoholics Anonymous and was very active with her meetings and women’s groups. Rita ask Clair to Sponsor her when she had one year sober. and Since I’m not her sponsor! Whatever they did worked! Rita and Clair just loved each other! There were so many more women that Rita loved and spent time with, going to lunch and meetings. There was the entire Puttin Sober group which was her home group and she Loved everyone!

Rita Moved in with me in 2016 and retired from Macy's in 2017. Rita loved her family and kept in touch by calling and visiting her Cousins, Aunts and Uncles frequently. Rita was very proud of her family, and never forgot where she came from!

Rita was survived by me (Husband) Del Lockwood. Rita’s (daughters) Rhoda, and Ranita. Rita’s (Grandchildren) Ricardo, Reina, Joseph, Benjamin, Sophia, Olivia, Joshua, Keoni, and Atticus and Lucas. They lived the closest to us. Rita’s (Great Grandchildren) Zion, Hezekiah, Camryn, and Caleb.

Rita and I did everything together! Grocery shopping, doctors, and go to meetings. And Ride Motorcycles. We kissed each other every morning and every night and said I love you! I miss Rita so much!!

Del.