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Rita Rae Wambeke, 86, passed away on May 22, 2022, at the Powell Valley Hospital.
She was born Sept. 7, 1935, to Ray and Marie (Beall) Webber and spent her childhood on the family farm east of Frannie. She attended Deaver High School and graduated in 1954. On April 28, 1955, Rita married Robert Wambeke. Together they raised four daughters.
Rita made many beautiful quilts over the years, and it was her goal to make special quilts for her children and also for her six grandchildren when each of them graduated from high school. She was able to accomplish that goal and those quilts will be cherished forever. She also enjoyed playing pinochle with friends and family, and she had an extensive Barbie Doll collection.
Rita is survived by her husband; and daughters, Rochelle (Bruce) Garriffa, Sheridan, Robyn (Jesse) Vine, Sheridan, Rhonda (Grady) Bradish, Billings Montana, and Rozalind (Joe) Wells, Boise, Idaho; her grandchildren, Tyson (Jennifer) Bradish, Taylor (Katie) Bradish, Ashley (Aaron) Dykes, Philip (Kristie) Garriffa, Kelli (Joey) Heator, and Conner Wells; and her great-grandchildren, Wesley, Toby, June, Lexie, Jaxson, Maverick, Brooklyn, and Cooper. She is also survived by her brother, Kurt Webber, Bismarck, North Dakota, and sisters Sandra Belus, Sheridan, and Valerie (Mike) Hieb, Powell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Marie Webber.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m. at the Deaver Cemetery. A meal will be served at the Deaver Town Hall immediately following the service.
