Rita Marie (Gapinski) Fields

Rita Marie Fields, born May 13, 1950, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her home. She was welcomed with open arms into Heaven by her husband Darcey, her parents Casimer F. and Clara (Zalas) Gapinski, brother and sister-in-law Casimer S. and Patricia Gapinski, and brother-in-law Donald Huston.

On June 7, 1969, she married the love of her life Darcey Fields.  After following Darcey’s career path through four years of Air Force and then IBM, they purchased Beaver Ridge Family Camping during Darcey’s “mid-life” crisis in 1986.  Rita supported Darcey by blossoming and growing the campground for the next 30 years into a family destination where they formed many friendships with the campers.  After retiring from the campground, they bought a motorhome and took several adventurous camping trips with their beloved granddaughters across the United States. Rita was survived by her son, Jamie, and his wife, Kathy, who gave her the joy of her life; two granddaughters Alyson Fields and Sydney Fields.  Also, two sisters, Barbara Huston and Felicia (Jack) Cochran. And two nieces, Stephanie (Rob) Wickham and Britnie Cochran and one great niece, Rylie Wickham.

Rita’s family will greet friends from 4pm – 6pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 North Main Street; Mishawaka, IN  46545.

Rita will have a private burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery to be reunited with her beloved husband forever and even then.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.