Rita M. Shipley

Children:

Kathleen Shipley (deceased), Jodene Holmes, Raymond Shipley, Richard Shipley, Paulette Seybold, Elizabeth Stewart, Robert Shipley

Grandchildren:

Rocky Wagner, Heidi Wagner, Kathleen Strickland, Bob Abel, Chuck Abel, Raymond Shipley III, Christopher Shipley (deceased), Nathan Shipley, Don Seybold, Greg Seybold, Amber Masters, Jennifer Becker, Stephanie Roscoe, Katie Stewart, Jeanea Shipley, Alaina Akiona

Great Grandchildren:

Wendy Wagner, Miranda Wagner, Ashley Wagner, Kayla Gentz, Joshua Strickland, Corey Abel, Nicole Abel, Anthony Abel, Nicholas Abel, Eden Seybold, Judah Seybold, , Elliana Becker, Maudilee Roscoe, Malachi Roscoe, Ariannah Akiona

Great-Great Grandchildren:

Cami Wagner, Zander Wagner, Cody Wagner, Jordan Bitzer, Lili-James Masters

1925: Rita Mariann Gallant is born in Prince Edward Island, Canada to Emanuel and Mary Rose Gallant

1925-1942: Rita grows up with her parents and eight brothers and sisters in Bath, Maine

1942: Rita meets and marries a handsome World War II sailor, Raymond Shipley

1943: Rita and Ray welcome their first child, Kathleen

1945: Rita, Ray, and Kathy move to Eastern Washington in search of a better life ‘out west’, where four more children arrive.

1953: The growing Shipley clan moves to Oregon finding an area that would become home for the rest of Rita’s life. During the Oregon years two more children are born to the Shipley family.

1963: Rita is blessed with the birth of the first of sixteen grandchildren.

1966: Rita begins facing life as a working single mother with her three youngest children.

1970: Rita receives her high school certificate at the tender age of 45.

1970: Rita purchases her first “New” vehicle: a mustard yellow Ford Maverick.

1973: Rita learns to waterski at age 48.

1978: Rita becomes an “empty-nester” when her youngest child leaves for University.

1980: Rita’s welcomes her first great grandchild.

1989: Rita is surprised to discover that she is not a US citizen. A major international crisis between Canada and the USA is narrowly averted as Rita heads off to Hong Kong.

1989: Rita moves to Club Estates East in South East Portland where she meets many great lifelong friends.

2002: Rita is again blessed: She celebrates the birth of her first great-great grandchild.

2005: Rita celebrates her 80th birthday and wins a $23 wager, swallowing a live goldfish. Her grandchildren are shocked and amazed.

2006: Rita suffers the untimely loss of a grandchild.

2009: Sadly; Rita faces the painful loss of her first born child.

June, 2010: Rita moves to Assisted Living in Cherrywood Vilage in order to meet her mounting health concerns.

January 26, 2011: Rita goes to meet her Jesus surrounded by her children.

Rita was a dedicated mother and grandmother. In her later years especially she delighted in every precious moment she could spend with family. She was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed reading the Anne of Green Gables series, which was set in the place of her birth. Additionally, she derived great pleasure in books about pioneer life, explorers and true life adventurers. We still remember that after reading a “Little House on the Prairie” book about a bad winter that she hoarded up supplies in her condominium in Southeast Portland. Speaking of hoarding, how many of you remember the cookies stored under her bed?

She did not watch a lot of television, however she was especially enamored with Pat Sajak, Alex Trebek, and Bob Barker, and spent many an evening watching her favorite shows.

Through the years she grew into a master homemaker as her family expanded. Countless times she worked into the dwindling hours of the morning ensuring that her children were fed, clothed and properly cared for. Her children have vivid memories of the aroma of her homemade bread, the feel of hand made clothing and the sweet taste of her canned pears and cherries.

As time passed, Rita continued growing in grace, exhibiting a life at peace with her Savior. Bible reading and church were essential to Rita, and she faithfully attended Oregon City Assembly of God, Faith Chapel and Portland Harvest Church. She was absolutely committed to ensuring that her children were raised in a blessed strong Christian home.

Perhaps the one thing which we recall most fondly was Rita’s keen sense of humor, which remained with her right until the last days she was with us. One of her caregivers related the tale of her fall two days before she passed away. She had a pretty serious bump on her head, and as they were trying to get her upright she quipped that “she had a fight with a handsome man”

Rita left a legacy which has endeared her to those of us left behind. Her life and example will continue to impact those in her extended family for years and decades forward. Her devout faith is a bright beacon that continues to shine throughout many nations of the globe. Rita will be profoundly missed.