Aretta “Rita” Arlene Jonkheer, 78, a longtime Skagit County resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 21, 2017. She was born July 10, 1938 in Yreka, California, the daughter of Theodore “Ted” A. Bell and Thelma “Babe” Viola (Van Laningham) Meamber.

Rita was raised and attended grade school in Yreka California, moved to Sedro-Woolley in 1949 and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1956. Rita attended Skagit Valley College. She worked as a secretary at the Shell Oil Refinery. On August 19, 1961 she was united in marriage to Theordore “Ted” Jonkheer in Mount Vernon. For a short time they lived in Seattle and she worked as a Flight Scheduler at Boeing Field. In 1964, they moved back to Mount Vernon and started Jonkheer Greenhouses in 1969, as owner/operators they did all aspects of the business.

As a child Rita was a Girl Scout and enjoyed playing in the creek with her brother Ted and Bonnie Lake. As an adult, Rita was involved with the Campfire Girls for 11 years as a leader, and as a volunteer at the Mount Vernon Schools for 18 years. She served 11 years on the Skagit County Juvenile Community Accountability Board. She was a continual member of the Harmony Birthday Club beginning in 1963. In addition, Rita volunteered with The Kiwanianne Club of Mount Vernon, Anne Carlson Guild Children’s Orthopedic, and Harmony Election Board. As a member of the First United Methodist Church she taught Sunday school and regularly attended the Harmony Bible Study. In addition to volunteering, Rita donated to Skagit Valley Hospital, Boys Town and many other charaties. Above all, Rita enjoyed her family, grandchildren and friend’s pursuits. She treasured attending her children and grandchildren’s events. Among other activities she relaxed by working crossword puzzles, and being an avid reader. Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Rita is survived by her husband, Ted; daughters. Nancy Martin of Breckenridge, Colorado, Diane and her husband, Phil Ohl of Richland, Washington and Ginger and her husband, David Perry of LaConner, Washington; four grandchildren, Troy Adams of

Burlington, Jamie Ohl of Richland, WA, Paige Adams, Mount Vernon and Tate Ohl of Pullman, WA; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ted Raymond Meamber.

A Funeral Service will be held at Noon, Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, followed by a Committal Service at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, with Pastors David Perry & John Ruhlman presiding, ending with a fellowship celebration at

McLean Road Fire Hall. Memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital. A time of visitation will be held from 9am to 5pm, February 1-3 at Lemley Chapel. Please share your memories of Rita and sign the online guest register.