RITA L. GREGG

February 4, 1948 – February 20, 2023

Rita L. Gregg passed away on February 20, 2023 in Bakersfield, California. Rita was born February 4, 1948 in Beebe, Arkansas. Her parents Arnold L. Nipper and Floy A. Nipper, sisters Carolyn and LaVonne and brother Waymon moved to California in 1950. Rita was wonderfully talented. She decorated many homes, parties, weddings and events over a number of years. She designed, coordinated construction and decorated floats for the Bakersfield Christmas Parades on two consecutive years. On both of these occasions the floats won the Sweepstakes Award. Rita supervised and designed the decorations for a fund raising event at Cal State Bakersfield. She was a wedding coordinator of many elegant weddings and was the wedding manager at the world famous Cal Neva Lodge at Lake Tahoe two years. She was also the former owner of spectacular gift and accessories shops in Bakersfield, Truckee and Cambria. Rita and her husband John purchased many homes over the years that they completely remodeled and resold. In the year 2000 Rita became associated with Ganz, Inc. Ganz is one of the largest wholesalers of gift ware in the United States and Rita was an outside sales rep. During this time she had territories over a large portion of California and was a consistent top producer. She loved working with all of her clients and fellow Ganz reps. Rita retired in 2012. Rita had many, many friends, several in different parts of the country and she thought each one was special. She was a very caring person and was always there for a friend in need. Special friends included sister Kay Kertis, Sheri Hoganson, Marti Briggs, Carolyn Jackson, Alyce Houser, Kathy Black, Tania Roselle, and nieces Becky Boardman and Julie Boardman, and Brenda Bosely. Rita is survived by her husband John. The love of her life and best friend. They were introduced in 1983 and married in 1984. They traveled extensively, including trips to England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Caribbean, and many states, with 13 trips to Hawaii. They shared a special love for dogs. Their dog Bentley will miss Rita very, very much. Rita is survived by sister and brother and law, Carolyn and Bob Hewitt, brother and sister in law Waymon and Margaret Nipper, stepson John Gregg, III, stepdaughter Susan Smith, nieces Becky Boardman and Shannon Hewitt, nephews Robert Boardman, Robbie Boardman, Scott Boardman, Waymon Nipper, Jr. and Mike Nipper.