OBITUARY

Rita Lee Pierson

August 6, 1933 - December 20, 2023

Long time resident of Waitsburg and Dayton, Rita Lee Pierson passed away peacefully on December 20, with her four children by her side. Rita was born August 6, 1933 to Evelyn and Dale Dixon in Salem, Ore. After moving to Portland, she attended school there until moving to Waitsburg where Rita attended WHS among the class of 1950.

She met Stanley Pierson, a favored customer, while working at the drug store's soda fountain. The two were married on May 14, 1950. Rita was a devoted wife and mother. She was a Scout Den Mother, a Campfire leader, and a supportive sports Mom. She and Stan enjoyed dancing and bowling and were avid card players. Rita enjoyed serving in her community. She was a member and Deaconess of the Waitsburg Christian Church and a member of the Odako and Koinonia clubs.

She had numerous jobs along the way. She and Stan had an Upholstery shop and later bought Ray's Drive-In in Dayton, which they owned and operated for 25 years. Retirement took them to Walla Walla until Stan's death in 2014. Rita moved to Sumner and later Cashmere to be close to family.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Ronald Dixon, grandsons Forrest Pierson and Jeffrey Pierson, great grandson Silas Pierson and son-in-law Robert Newbury.

She was survived by her four children: Richard (Rebekah) of Kennewick; Gary (Karen) of McFarland, Calif.; Clarence Newbury of Tacoma; Steve (Traci) of Cashmere; 14 beloved grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeremey, Jeff, Aubrey, Chase, Heath, Rhonda, Anna, Nick, Jessica, and Seth; 19 great grandchildren; ½ brother Leland Dixon; sister-in-law Mary Lou Dixon; cousin Patti (Don); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life for Rita will be held on August 3, 2024, 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Waitsburg. Refreshments to follow in the Dorcas room.

For anyone wishing to make a donation, the family asks you to consider the following: Parkinson's research, Prostate cancer research or Ankylosing Spondylitis Foundation.