Rita Rae Wambeke

Rita Rae Wambeke

Sept. 7, 1935 – May 22, 2022

Rita Rae Wambeke, 86, passed away May 22, 2022, at the Powell Valley Hospital.

She was born September 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.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Marie Webber.

Rita is survived by her husband; daughters Rochelle (Bruce) Garriffa of Sheridan, Robyn (Jesse) Vine of Sheridan, Rhonda (Grady) Bradish of Billings and Rozalind (Joe) Wells of Boise; grandchildren Tyson (Jennifer) Bradish, Taylor (Katie) Bradish, Ashley (Aaron) Dykes, Philip (Kristie) Garriffa, Kelli (Joey) Heator and Conner Wells; great-grandchildren Wesley, Toby, June, Lexie, Jaxson, Maverick, Brooklyn and Cooper; brother Kurt Webber of Bismarck, North Dakota; and sisters Sandra Belus of Sheridan and Valerie (Mike) Hieb of Powell. 

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.