Rita Lee Surprenant

Rita Surprenant February 25, 1941 ~ June 24, 2015 Rita Surprenant, 74, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2015, with her daughter at her side. Rita was born on February 25, 1941, at Anderson, IN, to Ruby Avis Butler-Riggs and Jack Isdell Riggs. Rita was born the middle child and only girl in a family with four brothers. When she was quite young, the family relocated to Phoenix, AZ, where she was raised. The family began to migrate to the Pacific Northwest in the 1960's and she followed, settling in the Tri-Cities, but her heart always seemed to be drawn back to Arizona. In the 1980's, Rita moved to the Seattle area, where she met and married Jerome (Jerry) Surprenant. They moved to Wenatchee in 2009, after Jerry's retirement. Rita was proud to have been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 35 years and a member of the 8/40 for 5 years. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, gardening, "collecting", cooking and meeting her friends at "the club". Always fun loving, she enjoyed hosting family and friends for holidays and celebrations of any kind. She was well known for her generosity with her family, friends and many charities. She was quite proud of her Native American heritage and her interesting family history. Be it known by all, that her children think she is AWESOME. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome (Jerry); brothers Jerome, Ronald and Stewart (Bud); and great grandson, Daniel Stewart-Turner. She is survived by her daughters, Pam (Doug) Barry, Machelle (Doug) McDowell; her son, Mark (Lynne Britschgi) Chandler; brother, Charles (Lupe) Hoffman; grandchildren, Shane (Christine) Turner, Sharon (Alan) Pollard, James Chandler, Desiree' (Steven) Knemeyer; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Turner, Natalie and Valerie Pollard, and Ian Knemeyer; and very dear nieces, Kathleen and Hope; sister-in-law, Lorraine; as well as other nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express our gratitude to Hospice nurses Tammy and Kim, for loving care and support; always brought with tenderness and a perfect touch of humor. Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the Wenatchee City Cemetery with Chaplain Steven Knemeyer officiating. Her Celebration of Life will continue with a reception at the American Legion Post 10 in Wenatchee immediately following the service. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley.

Rita Lee Surprenant

February 25, 1941 - June 24, 2015