Rita Anne (Lucero) Hardy

Rita Anne Hardy, 61, of Mesquite, NV passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side Friday, December 11, 2020. She leaves behind her husband, Blaine Hardy married for 31 years, daughter, Kristi (Gabriel) Hardy, granddaughter, Olyvia Anne who was the light of her life, and sibling, John (Debra) Lucero Jr. She is preceded in death by her grandmother Erma Beso, father John Lucero Sr., and her two brothers William “Billy” Lucero and Alex P Huerta.
Rita was born on May 21st, 1959 in Whittier, CA and grew up in North Las Vegas where she attended Rancho High. After graduating in 1977 she held a variety of jobs. From waitressing at the Horseshoe Casino to working at the wrecking yard, she could do just about anything & get along with just about everyone. Most recently, for the last 6 years, Rita worked at the front desk of the Eureka Casino Resort. She loved her job and enjoyed meeting new people. Many hotel guests remembered her year after year for her bubbly personality and warmth.
In July 1987, while flagging for Las Vegas Paving, she met the love of her life Blaine Hardy. They loved taking long drives, camping, and exploring old mining towns. Two years later, they were married and had a beautiful little girl named Kristi. Two days after Kristi was born, Rita couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital so that she could put on her size 28 waist wranglers and head to Vegas to show off her new baby. Rita and Kristi were inseparable and were instant best friends. When Kristi was a young child, Rita used to teach her little phrases. If someone asked, “Ae you and your mom close?” Kristi would say, “It’s a bond like no other!”
Nine years ago, Rita became a Grandma, “CooCoo” as Olyvia would call her. Rita would do anything for her 1st and only grandchild. Rita and Olyvia had a tradition to take a summer vacation together, just the two of them. Most recently they went to the Zoo in Salt Lake and the Shark Reef in Las Vegas where the two had so much fun seeing the animals. Olyvia loved her CooCoo and will miss her deeply as will all who knew her.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.