Rita Gilbert Reese Obituary
1930 ~ 2016
Rita is preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother
Ray, youngest brother Marty, son, Rick, and husband, Ralph, just eight months
ago.
Rita always said she wanted only these words for her
obituary: "I was born, I lived, and I died." Shortly before dying she
emphasized she only wanted a boring, ordinary obituary. Well, those of you who
know and love Rita, know she was anything but boring and ordinary!
Rita attended Hawthorne Elementary, Irving Jr. High, South
High School, and the University of Utah. She enjoyed friendships from each of
these schools throughout her life. She was proud to be a UTE and enjoyed
memories of her Alpha Phi sorority days.
Rita and Ralph enjoyed an active life. During winters they
skied while summers included boating, water-skiing and hiking. The five R's
spent many hours on the ski slopes and lakes throughout Utah. Twenty years of
Friendship Cruises, dinners and dancing and playing bridge brought a lot of
laughter to their lives. Rita enjoyed bowling on various leagues, playing
tennis with Jack and Kay Alder weekly for many years and golfing with just the
ladies or with Ralph's insurance groups. In most recent years they followed the
Red Rocks yearly to Regionals with Bob and Arita Sparks. Rita and Ralph have
been members of the Crimson Club from its inception.
Rita was born with a creative and productive spirit. She was
a master seamstress creating beautiful tailored suits, wedding dresses, quilts
and baby clothes. It saddened her to lose her vision ending her sewing days.
Christmas trees were decorated differently each year and each unique. She
painted several beautiful pieces for both her Salt Lake and Bear Lake homes, as
well as, cultivating exquisite landscaping at these homes. She would get our
dad to clear the path and she would do the planting.
Volunteering was always an important aspect of her life.
Rita and Ralph first joined the Salt Lake City Jaycees, then she went on to
join the Salt Lake Council of Women, school PTA groups, volunteering with the
Sheriff's bicycle safety program, involvement with The Boy Scouts of America
and receiving the Silver Beaver Award for over twenty years of dedicated service,
The Ladies Literacy Club, The Utah Republican Party, and in several church
callings while living in the Winder West Third Ward. She cherished her ward
family and dear neighbors.
She believed in conservation and environmental issues long
before it was deemed necessary for our planet's future. Each of us has an
appreciation of the world around us and we take the time to look at our
beautiful world because of Rita. She would often sit on the deck of her cabin
and say, "I wonder what my friends are doing tonight?" as she gloried
in the beauty surrounding her. She loved studying and learning about
EVERYTHING. And if you were lucky, she would share her knowledge with you.
It was her adamant wish that no services be held in her
honor. As her great-grandson, Ian, expressed, "But what about us?" We
ask that you take the time to say, "I love you" to your family and
friends, everyday. If you wish to make a donation in her honor, she would want
you to think of the Humane Society of Utah or The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
She also supported anything Utah UTES, especially The Red Rocks. Think of her
when you attend the symphony, ballet, or Pioneer Theater. When
football/basketball seasons begin, put up your U, and cheer on her favorite
team. Call your family and have them look at the beautiful sunset or full moon
as she always did with us. But most of all, thank you for loving our mom, and
know she loved and cherished each of you and the friendship you shared. Rita
was an extraordinary woman and she was anything but boring! Do something for
the greater good in honor of Rita's life well served.
Our family greatly appreciates the love and attention Gloria
and her CNAs showed both of our parents. Thank you to the IHC Palliative and
Hospice Care, as well as the many doctors who took great care of Rita. Drs.
Jeffrey Twitchell and Jordan Schaeffer have always been genuinely kind and
caring toward our mom.
Rita and Ralph wanted their ashes placed at "R"
Retreat. We will honor their wishes this summer. If you want more information
please contact Rob or Ruth.
Published in Deseret News from May 24 to May 29, 2016
- See more at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=rita-gilbert-reese&pid=180084678&eid=sp_shareobit#sthash.fKCtpFb6.dpuf
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