Rita Mae Schulze, age 85, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away at the home of her daughter, Anna Wilkinson, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. She was born July 26, 1934 in Forrest Lake, Minnesota to Anthony and Wilhelminia (Mersch) Schmitt; the middle child out of seven children.
Rita met Herbert M “Bud” Schulze while both were residing at Beale’s Boarding House in Sedro-Woolley and they were happily married on October 3, 1959.
Rita has always valued caring for others through her career as a psychiatric nurse at Northern State Hospital until it closed. She attended Western Washington University to become a special education teacher for the Sedro-Woolley School District; retiring in 1992 after 20 years.
Rita was an avid bird-watcher and loved gardening. She was a member of the Skagit Genealogy Society, serving for a time as secretary, and teaching many classes. She enjoyed sewing and crafts, making many beautiful things for friends and family.
Rita is survived by her daughters, Anna (Mark) Wilkinson, Kathleen “Kate” (Robert) Carpenter, and Teresa “Tess” Schulze; grandchildren, Zac Carpenter and Marshall Wilkinson; sisters, Jean (Robert) Soebbing, and Marjorie (Darrel) Stresemann; brother, Steven Schmitt; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bud Schulze; sister, Lorraine Kilby; brothers, Arthur Schmitt and Wilfred Schmitt.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Hospice of the Northwest. Rita’s final resting place will be at Hamilton Cemetery next to her beloved husband, Bud. Share your memories of Rita and sign the online guest register.
I just read of Rita’s passing today on my tablet. I had the pleasure of meeting her and Mr. Schulze in 1988 as a Wextern student. ( Teresa and I both lived in Edens Hall at the time ). I am sorry to hear of her passing . God bless you all, and Teresa, I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. Your friend, Mike Webb
Mrs. Schulze was a wonderful teacher… I remember in the 7th grade we went on a field trip to the Vita Milk factory and all of the kids had money to buy an icecream cone… but I did not… and that kind teacher took it upon herself to buy me one…. it may sound like a small gesture but it meant the world to me at the time to not be left out… I’ve never forgotten her because of that one small act of kindness… God bless her family and I pray that this kind woman is enjoying an Icecream in heaven… because she deserves it all my love…. Jason H. Self
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for the family.love and hugs to all.