(nee McNeil)
March 9, 1932 - August 9, 2012

Mom passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Doogie, Diana, Marie & Hector in the comfort of the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice.

Predeceased by: Her parents: Hector (1934) & Marie(1973), Beloved Husband Ross (1984), beloved sons; Christopher (1986), Willie (1991). Very Special Friend; Owen (Van) VanDyke (2007). Her sister
Mary Thompson & brothers Joe & Hector.

Rita May is survived by her son; Ross (Doogie) and his wife Diana.
Daughter; Marie and her husband Hector MacDonald.

Grandchildren: (Rita was affectionately called "Amma") Rogan (Keri). Krystal (Mike) Pearson, Christopher (Joey) Anderson. Murdock (Kate) MacDonald, Tanner MacDonald.

Great-Grandchildren: Curtis, Taylor & Gracie Pearson; Naveed Anderson; Ethan MacDonald.

Very Special Neighbors and Best Friends; Terry & Esther Millar and all-their family. Beloved "Aunti" Etta from Australia; sister-in-law Janet McNeil and all Rita's nephews and nieces. Many Icelandic relatives from Manitoba.

And blessed with Best Friends; that Rita considered her family. Violet Maartman and all her children. Too many others to name, but you all know who you are.

Rita was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was the "baby" of her family. Her mother Marie was lcelandic and her father Hector was Scottish. Rita was only 2 years old when her dad died from the effects of the mustard gas that was used in France in WWI, He served from 1915 -1917. When she was 12 years old, her mother
packed up and moved to Vancouver so she could be closer to Rita's oldest brother Joe, who served during WWII. He joined the Canadian Navy before Pearl Harbour and Joe wanted his Mom and baby sister to move so he could help support them. After WWII, Rita's older sister Mary and her sons and her brother Hector moved to Vancouver so they could all be together.

After graduating high school, Rita worked at a fish canning factory with her best friend Peggy Duncan, Later she got a job as a telephone operator. ln those days, you had to call the "operator" to even make a local call.

She met and fell in love with Ross in 1951 and they married in 1952. They had 4 children within the next 7 years; Doogie, Marie, Willie & Chris. Ross drove truck for a living and he came to Kamloops first, to make sure that it was going to be a steady job. He lived at the Franklin Hotel, which was owned by the Yanchuk family. After
6 months, they made the huge decision to Ieave all their family and friends in Vancouver and make Kamloops their home in 1961.

In 1967 they bought a home in Brocklehurst and she stayed here until she died.
Rita was a "stay-at-home" Mom and spent her whole life raising her kids, volunteering for schools, church and the boy's sports. In 1974 she started working at Tranquille in the laundry and within a few years became involved with the union as a rep.
Between 1984 & 1991 Rita lost her husband Ross and-her 2 sons, Chris & Willie. Even with all her heartbreak, she never lost her love and compassion for all those who knew her.
In 1995 Rita met Van from California and became a "snowbird". They had 12 wonderful years together.
Rita May was an amazing wife, mother and best friend to aII those around her. Rita’s door was”always” open and she was blessed with many friends that she considered family.

Rita spent the last 3 weeks of her life at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice. We would like to thank the AMAZING STAFF for all their love and care. They made it possible for Mom to die with grace and dignity. Many thanks to Dr. Mavis Hollman – you went above and beyond and Mom loved you very much.
In lieu of flowers, Doogie and Marie would be honoured if you make a donation to the Kamloops Hospice Association, in Mom’s memory. Donations can be mailed to: Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home, 72 Whiteshield Cr., South, Kamloops BC V2E 2S9.
Ph: (250) 372- 1336. They also accept phone in donations with a visa or MasterCard.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Rita May’s life will take place at the Kamloops Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 14, 2012. Located at 285 Fortune Drive.

Arrangements entrusted to
Kamloops Funeral Home
250-554-2577

Condolences may be emailed to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com