Resident of Capitola

Rita Rose Neely passed away with her son Jim by her side in Capitola, CA on September 30, 2024. She was born onApril 6, 1933 in San Mateo to Harry and Elise Krug Guevara. She grew up with her older brother, Donald and graduated from San Mateo High School.

During her early years Rita enjoyed climbing trees and riding horseback and later enjoyed riding on the back of a Harley-Davidson. She was generally a tomboy, much to her mother’s chagrin.

In 1952 Rita married Frank Bohnet and began a family of their own in Cupertino. It was a lively existence with horses and acow and chickens, rabbits, dogs and cats on a small farm with a barn and two corrals and trees to climb.

In 1972, she struck out on anew adventure and moved the family north to Laytonville where she focused on her artistic talents, including painting, ceramics, collage, photography, quilting and sewing. She started her own company called Redwood Arts and sold her work at art fairs all over Northern California. She became involved in local interests and developed lasting friendships, including Susan Bradley who remained her closest friend for the rest of her life.

An avid learner, she received an AA from Mendocino College in 1979 and her BA from Mills College in 1984. She also received her certification for early childhood education. Working at Rainbow School, a very progressive preschool in Berkeley, she developed a close working relationship and friendship with the school’s founder, Dora Haleprin. Susan Bradley’s daughter Shoshana eventually worked at Rainbow School also. During this time, Rita also became certified as a master gardener.

Her sense of adventure took her on many trips overseas. She went to Cuba and South Africa with Barby and Vic Ulmer, life long friends of the family. She also went on trips to China, Morocco, Spain, France, Mexico, England, Germany, and Canada.

In her later years, Rita moved to the central coast in Capitola to live in the house next door to her eldest daughter and near four of her other children, all of whom she saw regularly, with frequent visits from the one remaining in Mendocino County.

Rita is survived by her children, Christann Bohnet (Lou Bermingham), Deborah Bohnet, Julie Bohnet (Mel Goodwin), Frank Bohnet, James Bohnet and David Bohnet; grandchildren: Jeromy Drumm (Stacy), Krystal Weaver, Ryan Bohnet (Ashley), Karly Bohnet, and Emma Bohnet; and six great-grand children: Christopher, Alexander, Cole, Lucy, Nora and Lainey.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Guevara; nieces: Sheri (Geri), Victoria and Rebecca May (James); nephew Jeffery (Maureen), great-niece, Andrea, and great-nephews: Luke (Callie), Trevor (Dana), Vince, Greg and Colin; great-great niece, Mairen, and great-great nephew, Bailey (Jasmine) and great-great-great nephew, Finley.

A memorial will be held on November 10th at 3:00 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rita’s name to Sierra Club, KQED, or Planned Parenthood.