Rita Lillian DeLano's Obituary
Rita Lillian DeLano Age 84, of Tacoma, passed away peacefully at home, July 14th, 2014. She was born April 5th, 1930 to Nels and Vethoni Christensen in Minot, ND. She grew up during the depression and looking to improve their future, the family moved to WA state when she was 10. She attended Jason Lee High School through the 9th grade, quitting to work at the Pacific Match Co. to help the family out. She later worked as a waitress and as a deli manager for Hoagies Corner. Rita will be remembered for her love of all living things, with abandoned cats being her specialty. She also loved country music and dancing, and was an accomplished seamstress and cook. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Franks (Sterlin), Wilkeson; Claudia Nichols (Mike), Prosser; step son, Kelly DeLano (Luk), Puyallup; brother Harry Christensen, Tacoma; sister Rhona Stanners, Westminster, CA; also 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Rita is predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Claude B. Delano, her brother Robert Christensen and her sister Jeanne Dever. She will be truly missed by her family and her kitties. A graveside service will be Saturday, July 19th, 10:30 am at Mt. View.
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