Rita Mary (Hansen) Blacksher, was born March 31, 1927, at Snoqualmie Falls, King County, Washington. God kissed Rita on Sunday, July 08, 2018, at Skagit Valley Hospital, Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington; Rita went to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ who is God the Son, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit, in Heaven for eternity.
On the evening prior to her Heavenly departure, Pastor Brice Greathouse spoke the Word of God from the Bible for her, and prayed with several family members at her side; he spoke verses from the book of John, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Trinity; they witnessed Rita smile momentarily–a precious gift we will never forget. Pastor Brice offered words of comfort, “My heart goes out to you and your whole family for the loss of a great mom. I know that God is with her in a powerful way.”
Rita was raised in Big Lake, Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington—a place she loved; with brother Bernard Hansen, and sister Ruth (Beckett). Rita is the daughter of John A. Hansen, born Jens Agerman Berteussen, in Tranoy, Norway, on May 26, 1889 (baptized on July 01, 1889, District of Stonglandet in the Parsonage of Tranoy, Norway, Lutheran Church—documented on his official Norwegian Baptismal Certificate), died November 21, 1956, in Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington; and Edith (Parkinson) Hansen, who was born January 28, 1900, in Huddersfield, England, and died April 04, 1980, in Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington.
John and Edith Hansen were buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Skagit County, Washington, United States of America. Rita Mary Hansen married Ray Eldon Blacksher on September 28, 1949, in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington; they raised their children in Big Lake, and later made their home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington; they had 10 children: John, Sheri (Lanny Cochran), Rose (Ray Hayes), Gloria (Mike Sancrant), Carol (Cates), Leonard, Lily (Chris Blackburn), Mary (Doug Jones), David, Larry (Angela L. Blacksher & their son Josiah Blacksher). Grandchildren: Harlan Jr., Shon & Kalob & Jesurun, Christina & Meachel, Jeremy & Joshua, Adam & Nicole & Jannie & Leonard Jr. & Donny, Nancy & Sarah & Rachael & Bethany & Jacob, Angel & Angelique & Travis, Josiah & William (Billy), and other grandchildren & numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, her son David, and her brother Bernard Hansen. Words can’t express enough how amazing she was to her family and friends. She loved interacting with everyone, she was a loving, kind, and generous soul—with a brilliant mind; she enjoyed reading, cooking, playing the piano, tap dancing, singing, and photography. Her family visited her often at the Life Care Center in Sedro-Woolley, held her hand, and kissed her forehead.
Rita Mary (Hansen) Blacksher left hand-written notes, genealogy, family funeral cards, Bible verses & songs, and keepsakes in her Bible with hand-made leather cover decoratively made by her son Larry, along with a precious poem: “Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die” (author unknown).
Graveside services will be held at Union Cemetery, 1450 Wicker Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA, 98284, with Pastor Brice Greathouse presiding, on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 2 p.m. Reception following. Please share your memories of Rita and sign the online guest register.
i sent Rita a Christmas card and it came back No explanation from No one at all i actually Googled to find shes passed away how sad she was one of my mothers best friends when they were young girls my mother would always talk so highly of Rita and all the fun they had they even sang together in places they stayed in touch with each other through the years till my own mother Violet passed away in Lincoln City , Ore. on Dec. 10th 2012 but i always stayed in touch with Rita as much as possible i will miss her dearly shes now in Heaven back with her family friends and my mom ‘ we loved her so much my condolences Trisha Le Fever
I love you Grandma! I played lots of songs for you–I thought about you all day, every day, and still do. When I visited you I always tried to play music or play the piano for you because I love you so much–I wanted you to be happy and know that I love you. I remember watching “Jeopardy” on TV with you at your house in Sedro-Woolley when I was really little–sometimes I sing that “Jeopardy” song–I remember. Thanks for holding my hand. I liked visiting with you. I really miss you. I cried a lot when you went to Heaven–it was hard–it made my heart hurt so much! But I am glad you are in Heaven and talking with Jesus. I know I will see you again some day in Heaven. Sometimes I think you are still here and Mommy and Daddy tell me you are talking with Jesus. Pastor Jim Cannon sang my song for you called “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918): The song is about your life, your human body of the Earth and family “tree” branches that grew, and your spiritual Soul created by and being One with God–you are a tree that never dies because God says He makes all things new. The song goes like this: “I think that I shall never see, A poem as lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest, Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear, A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by people like me, But only God can make a tree.” I really liked how Jim sang my song for you Grandma! Thank you Jim! I really liked what Pastor Brice Greathouse said too–that you left a family legacy, and that you were a “go” person cause “go” is the first two letters of God. Your heart was always going with love for everyone all the time! Thank you Brice! Thank you Grandma Rita for being my Grandma and for accepting me as I am and loving me all the time. I will always play songs for you and think of you as my Grandma and my friend. Maybe Jesus will play my songs for you in Heaven. I will never forget you–ever. I love you always and forever, with all of my heart, love grandson Josiah. See you later.
I’ll never forget Mom Rita was a sweet loving Mom. Always smiling and always there to talk & listen to. I’ll miss her but I am glad she is back again with her beloved Ray . Heaven just gained a wonderful Angel and will be missed here on earth, God speed Rita
mother I love you to the moon and back , will miss you more then you know , God bless you and keep you , you were the most loving and kind and caring mother you will always be in my heart , till we meet again momma , love you so much , my I am going to miss you ❤️❤️❤️❤️Give daddy and David a hug and kiss for me . ❤️❤️
My sweet, sweet grandma…I will Forever miss you!!! You inspire me every day…I Love you so very much..