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Reta Lee Wilhite

February 15, 1918 - August 08, 2009

Reta Lee Wilhite Obituary (Age 91) Of Spokane, WA joined her husband, Claud, on August 8, 2009. Born February 15, 1918 in Purdin, Missouri she was the daughter of Ira and Sylvia Hayes. In 1924, Reta and two younger sisters, Vera and Lela, and brother, Willis, journeyed from Missouri to Eden, Idaho where they settled. Graduating from Eden H.S. in 1936, Reta attended Twin Falls Beauty School and after certification, opened a shop with another lady in Kimberly, a small town just outside of Twin Falls. In 1938, she married Claud, her high school sweetheart. Their first son, Rick, was born in Abilene, Texas just days before Claud, a newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, left for England. After Claud returned from the European Theater, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, then Billings, MT, finally settling in Twin Falls, ID in 1952. Chad was born there in 1953. In 1964 they moved to Spokane where Claud became a partner in Stockland Livestock Exchange. Over the years, Reta was active in various groups and the community. Involved in the Lincoln Heights PTA and later the Ferris High School PTA, she and her husband were ardent sports fans, following their youngest son's sports activities. She truly enjoyed the friendships made in "The Great Bunch", a group of some 15 couples that frequently met to celebrate birthdays and other holidays. Reta was a member of the "Trowel Queens Garden Club", the Spokane China Painting Club and the China Painting Group. Reta was a prolific painter starting in oils and then progressing to china painting which became one of the great passions of her life. Many relatives and friends have been the recipients of her beautiful works of art. She used leftover sewing scraps to make marvelous lap robe quilts lovingly given to all her friends as well as donated to The House of Charity and Vanessa Behan. Reta's quilts were legendary for their color and intricate patterns. And she loved to knit providing numerous baby bonnets for newborns at Vanessa Behan. In the kitchen Reta would conjure up a five course meal in the blink of an eye. Her meat loaf will never be duplicated. And she was a cookie maker of renown. From chocolate chip to ginger cookies, she kept the cookie jar (and family and friends) full. Reta is survived by her sister, Lela Masters of Buhl, Idaho; son, Rick and Diana of Spokane Valley, granddaughter, Shannon and great granddaughter, Ruby of Arcata, CA; son, Chad and Patty and granddaughter, Marissa of Spokane. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched. Heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have provided support during this transitional time. Memorial contributions may be made to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, 1004 E. 8th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202 or the Rockwood Foundation, Rockwood Retirement Communities, 2903 E. 25th Ave., Spokane, WA 99223. There will be a viewing at Heritage Funeral Home Thursday, August 13th from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at the Rockwood Manor, 2903 E. 25th Ave., this Friday, August 14th at 11:00 AM. Due to limited parking at the Manor, please plan to park at the Rockwood Community Center, 2105 S. Forest Estates Drive. Transportation from the Community Center and the Rockwood Manor will be provided.

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