This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Schmitz, Farris, Bellinghausen, Malloy, Holford, Sayre Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GeV.2ACEB/2136 Message Board Post: Seattle Times Seattle, WA August 31, 2005 Rita Marie Farris    Rita Marie FARRIS Age 82, of Bellevue, passed away in Spokane after a short battle with cancer. Born February 4, 1923, in Ames, Iowa to John and Anna Schmitz, Rita was one of four daughters. She moved to San Francisco, California during WWII to serve as a gunnery sergeant where she met her beloved husband, the late Robert Farris. They were married on September 8, 1949, and raised their family in Orinda, California before moving to Bellevue in 1969. Following her husband's retirement, the couple traveled extensively as part of an executive volunteer program to assist in dairy consulting in developing countries. Rita's strong faith shined through in all that she did. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish in Bellevue and volunteered in a variety of capacities locally to help others. She was quick to respond to those in need and could be counted on by her fellow parishioners and many close friends. Rita was first and foremost a dedicated wife and mother who will be rem! embered for her love and devotion to her family. She delighted in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed dividing her time between her children's families. Rita's strength of character, boundless energy and wonderful sense of humor made her a fun-loving and much-adored wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Rita was preceded in death by her husband Robert, sons Gregg and Bradley, and sisters Ann Bellinghausen, and Lillian Malloy. She is survived by her son, Robert Farris (wife Susan) of Vista Santa Rosa, California; son, Michael Farris of Incline Village, Nevada; daughter, Linda Cahill (husband Mike) of Spokane; son, Tim Farris (wife Leslie) of Bellingham; daughter, Roberta Farris of Bainbridge Island; daughter, Laura Farris (husband Clint Robbins) of Olympia; daughter, Barbara Holford (husband Myke) of Yakima; sister, Phyllis Sayre, 14 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Recitation of the ! Rosary will be Thursday, September 1st, at 7 p.m., and the Funeral Mas s will be celebrated Friday, September 2nd, at 10 a.m., BOTH at Sacred Heart Church in Bellevue, with private burial to follow at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham. Hoffner Fisher & Harvey In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the ALS Evergreen Chapter Association, 6627 S. 191st Place, Suite F-106, Kent, Washington, 98032. Phone 1-866-STOP ALS.