Rita Marilyn Klampher

Our mother, Rita Marilyn Klampher, went home to be with the Lord April 5, 2013. Mom was lovingly surrounded by her family and friends at her “Christmas” house on South Maple. Rita was born July 8, 1935, in Spokane, Washington, to Art and Kathryn Dunlop. They moved to Ellensburg for a short time until 1941, when Art moved the family to Everett to work in the shipyards. In 1948, they moved briefly to the Dunlop Family Farm in North Dakota and then back to Everett . In January of 1950 they moved to Santa Barbara, California, but moved back to Ellensburg in August. Mom finished at Ellensburg High School graduating in 1953. She worked at many jobs, U-Totem, St. Andrews, Anderson Hay, Big Apple Fruit Stand, but the one that gave her the most pleasure was her 35 years with the Ellensburg School District as secretary at Washington and Mt Stuart Elementary Schools. Mom had a quiet unassuming way of doing her job and loved lifting up and encouraging the teachers, parents and students she came into contact with. She passed on her love for the schools to her children and grandchildren by allowing them to "set up" the school every summer. It gave us all such a sense of accomplishment and the highlight would be to go to Winegar's Dairy and get ice cream. Mom was married in 1954, to Earl Klampher who preceded her in death 18 years ago. They had 4 children Jim Klampher, Stacey (Dane) Tutor, Mike Klampher and Steve Klampher. She is survived by her children, 6 grandchildren, Tana (Scott) Heckly, Gemma (Jeremy) Wolfenbarger, Brilee (Martin Bernal-)Tutor, Derek Klampher, Larissa Hale and the light of her life Kelly Klampher and 9 great grandchildren. In addition, mom is survived by her sisters Mary (Larry) George, Monica (Leif) Hazlett) and her brother, Chuck (Mary Ellen) Dunlop and lots of nieces and nephews. Mom enjoyed time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always looked forward to sports and school updates. She was partial to hearing baseball updates and had a life-long love of the Seattle Mariners. Friendship was very important to mom and she had many she called friends in her life. Bill and Liz Kinney were dear friends who have both gone on ahead of her. Enid Gage, Ruth Brunner, Fran Wolford, Cathy Murphy and Carol Valentine are friends who meant the world to her along with the monthly birthday club members.

Mom's battle with cancer was not something she would have wished on anyone, but she found refuge in Psalm 91 and from the special care she was given by Arlene Steinhardt who had so much patience and love for her during her last 3 months (Thank you so much, Arlene, this would not have been feasible without you.)

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice or Hospice Friends, both of which were invaluable resources and support during mom’s illness. The family would like to thank mom’s many friends who loved on her in her last days , Dr. Mark Larson, and Dr. Vicki Jones who took such wonderful care of mom during her illness and the staff of Kittitas Valley Rehab who treated mom with dignity and loving care the several times she needed care. Also, we would like to extend a special thank you to Gabriel Bacon who was an angel of compassion and encouragement over the last 3 months.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrews Catholic Church on Friday, April 12, at 11:00, reception to follow. A Rosary will be said on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrews. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Steward & Williams Tribute Center. Condolences can be left at www.steward-williams.com