Rita Mae Brandt

May 22, 1964 - August 15, 2022

Rita Mae Brandt

May 22, 1964 - August 15, 2022

Obituary

Rita Mae Brandt passed away suddenly on Monday August 15, 2022 in Puyallup, WA

Rita was 58 years old, born May 22, 1964 in Bellingham, WA and was the fifth of five children to Robert and Bonna (Bauthues) Beck.

Rita graduated from Ferndale High School in 1982. After obtaining her two year degree in accounting from Spokane Falls Community College she married John Brandt in 1984, after dating for many years. After supporting John during his final year of College at Washington State University, Rita and John moved to Longview, WA for John’s new job. They later moved to Tacoma, WA in 2010 when John switched jobs and have lived there since.

Rita’s greatest joy was being a mom to her two sons, RJ and Jake. She was a terrific wife and mom! She volunteered whenever and wherever needed at the boy’s schools, running youth athletic programs and assisting with coaching all their sports teams. Rita, always financially savvy, was great at running the many fundraisers to support programs her boys were active in while maintaining a tight family budget so the family could enjoy many fun activities and allowing John to retire early.

Rita enjoyed boating and fishing, a love that was passed down from her father. After her parents gave Rita and John the family boat (1971 24’ Fiberform) in the 1990’s, their family was able to spend many great nights on the Columbia River as she did as a child in the San Juan Islands. Additionally, she enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, hiking and growing a garden. She was a fantastic cook; we will miss her delicious food!

Rita will be greatly missed by her husband, John; their two children, RJ (Patty) and Jake (Bailey) and their dog Tiara; one grandchild Johnathan; mother Bonna Beck; sisters Tami (Greg Merritt) and Jodi; brothers Bret (Debbie) and Matt; mother in-law Myrna Brandt and sister in-law Janell Lyddan (Dennis).

Rita was preceded in death by her father Robert; father in-law Robert Brandt and sister in-law Jana Kortus.

A private family gathering was held in Rita’s honor.

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15 responses to Rita Mae Brandt

  1. Debbie Horn says:

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Brandt and Beck families. I was in shock when I saw that she had passed unexpectedly. It was just a few weeks ago that we had our 40th Reunion and I can’t tell you how many people were asking about her. I will always have a special place in my heart for Rita and all the memories we shared in highschool.

    1. John Brandt says:

      Thanks so much Debbie. John

  2. June Wilson says:

    John and family,

    I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. I have so many memories of our years spent playing sports together in our younger years.

    My heart hurts for you all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

    1. John Brandt says:

      Thanks June!

    2. John Brandt says:

      Thanks Kris.

  3. Kris Hanson says:

    John,
    Holding you close to my heart. My love surrounds you and your family.
    ~Kris

  4. Dear Johnny,
    Holding you close in my heart and prayers. I watched your love for Rita grown from a boy to a man to a husband and father. You saw how special Rita was right from the start. So grateful to have had her as my friend. I never worried about Rita. She was strong and determined. She was always the responsible, smart one. My only regret is that I couldn’t find her after you left Longview. I was tied up helping my mom but always thought about her and assumed we would see each other again. She was always in my heart and always will be. The girl was my best friend. I respected and admired the woman she became. Some day, when you are up to it I would love to know more about her life this last decade. Take care. Much love, Missy

  5. Mike Locker says:

    I will leave a short message saying I am truly sorry to hear of Rita passing. The Brandts. The Becks. Seeing all the familiar names and all the old memories that come up. I hope you all can lean on each other and the great strength of family. Thinking of you especially John

    1. John Brandt says:

      Thanks so much Mike, great to hear from you. It all helps.

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