Rita Rogers

Rita Rogers passed away on July 24, 2008 in Montesano, Wash. She was born on Dec. 27, 1948, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Wilber “Barney” Dreier and Lorraine Caswell Dreier.

She was raised in Kellogg until the age of four, when she and her father moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to live with her grandparents, Albert and Daisy Mae Dreier. She attended Washington Elementary School, and Sandpoint Junior & Senior High. She also attended Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Wash., where she took accounting courses.

In 1965, Rita met Larry Dale Rogers and they were married on Dec. 29, 1966, in Sandpoint during the worst storm of the winter. Following the wedding, they took the train to Tacoma, Wash., and then a bus to Montesano, where her mother lived. They have resided there ever since.

They were blessed with two children, Dale Gene, who was born in February 1969, and April Dawn, who was born in July 1973.

Rita worked for Princess House Crystal and earned a trip to Paris in 1978 for being a top seller. During their trip to Paris, Rita and Larry also visited other places in Europe, including the home where Rita’s paternal grandfather was born in Kleinlutzel, Switzerland.

She worked throughout the years as a receptionist, secretary and bookkeeper for numerous companies in Montesano and surrounding areas.

Rita and Larry have enjoyed many cruises in their 40 years, including Alaska, the Caribbean and three to Mexico.

They have opened up their hearts and home to several foster children and are now enjoying the benefits of having lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

Rita is survived by her husband, Larry, of Montesano; her son, Dale, of Seattle; her daughter, April, of Montesano; her mother, Lorraine, and stepfather, Leland Tilley, of Montesano; her stepmother, Kay Dreier, of Sandpoint; two sisters, Joy Sinclair and Su Warren of Sandpoint; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Rita was a member of the Moose Lodge and a pinochle club. She loved Bunko, cards, dice, dominoes, and games of all kinds. She introduced everyone to Pegs and Jokers — one of her favorites. She loved roses and life.

Rita’s life has been filled with so many wonderful friends and if your life was touched by Rita, you were certainly blessed. We will miss you!

There will be a memorial service at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.