Rita H. Vandehey

Rita H. Vandehey 85, a longtime resident of the Banks community passed away on Friday evening, May 4, 2018 at her home.
Rita was born on July 16, 1932 on the family farm just outside of Banks. She was the youngest of five children born to Arthur and Theresa (VanDomelen) Vuylsteke. She was raised on the family farm and attended St Francis Catholic Grade School  and graduated from Banks High School with the Class of 1951.
Following high school Rita began her career  working for US Bank in Banks where she remained for 40 years until her retirement in 1991. Rita cared for her loving mother; Theresa, who lived with her until her passing in 1992.
Rita met her husband, Ellis Vandehey, while in high school, they casually dated and attended prom together. In 1994 Ellis and Rita's path crossed again while attending the Roy Dinner.  They soon began dating and following a one year courtship they married on June 24, 1995 at St Francis Catholic Church in Roy. They started their life together traveling between Stayton (where Ellis lived) and Banks (where Rita lived) eventually settling in Banks in 1997.
Rita enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting and embroidery. Most  of her creations she donated to the St Francis Bazaar or gave away as gifts. She also enjoyed cooking, canning, collecting antiques and reading. She loved to garden and raise flowers. She was an active volunteer in her parish for many years. Rita was also a world traveler having visited Europe three times, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, Aruba and Costa Rica.
She is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings; Cyril (Bud), Chuck and Erma
She is survived by her loving husband, Ellis, a sister; Betty Krieger of Banks, six step children and their spouses; Jackie and Doug Schumacher of Stayton, Jeannie and Bud Worley of Clackamas, Roger and Shelly Vandehey of Cottage Grove, Russell and Trudy Vandehey of Oregon City, Denise and Pat Beggs of Turner, Ed and Judy Vandehey of Salem, fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.