Our strong, brave and courageous wife and mother, Rita Rae Alvord, left us for Heaven on October 31, 2014 surrounded by her family. She was born to Sam and Reta Hanson on April 6, 1935 and lived in Bellingham her entire life. After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1953, she went on to work at Keyes Clinic. She met the love of her life, Reg Alvord, and they enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage. Rita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enriched all of our lives and set a great example of how to live. She was an avid boater and fisherwoman and a life member of the Bellingham Yacht Club, First Mates Club and Wheel and Keel. Some of the families best memories were spent boating and they had many weekends and vacations with their four children, friends and families. Their boat was always the mother ship of the family fleet and she was the life of the party. Rita was also a member of the Chaparral Country Club in Palm Desert, CA and belonged to the Women's Niners Club. She and Reg loved socializing with their friends and spending time with their family on vacations. If you were with Rita, you were having fun! She was the anchor of our family and we will miss her deeply. She will live strong in our hearts and in our memories of her bright spirit. Rita is survived by her husband Reg, brother Robert "Hans" Hanson and children Jeff (Lori), Kim (Paul) Yuska, Lori (Scott) Clough and Steve (Marci), all of Bellingham. She is also survived by her grandchildren Krista, Angie, Anna, Dane, Alex, Brad, Katie, Jessie and Kristi (Todd), as well as many loving relatives and friends. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Reta Hanson, as well as her brothers Sam and Howard Hanson and her sister June Ginger. The celebration of Rita's life will be held at Westford Funeral Home at 2:00pm on Monday, November 10, 2014. A reception will follow across the street at Westford's Broadway Hall. The family would like to thank Whatcom Hospice and the many caregivers that supported us. Donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 98225. Please share your memories online at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Bellingham Herald on Nov. 4, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Alvord

11 Entries

Stacey Moore

November 14, 2014

Reg & family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I met Rita when she and Reg rescued Christmas one year for the boys and girls in the San Juan Islands. The S.E.S. Discovery had experienced mechanical problems the weekend before and we couldn't locate a substitute Sea Scout ship. Someone tipped me off that I should call the Alvords. Reg and Rita agreed to take Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Rudy, clowns, pirates and a few Sea Scout helpers aboard the R&R to the stops we missed the previous weekend. Rita was the most gracious and cheerful hostess we could have wished for to welcome us aboard. I cannot think of my years on the Bellingham Jaycees Christmas Ship cruises without thinking of Reg & Rita and the time they saved Christmas for all those kids! - Stacey L Moore (Rudy)

Brian and Cindy Belka

November 10, 2014

Our most heartfelt sympathy and love goes out to Reg, Jeff, Kim, Lori, Steve and all the extended family. Rita always greeted us with warmth and generosity – and a good-natured, wry sense of humor that never failed to bring a laugh. She was the Queen of the Mother Ship R & R, and we will always remember her in her fleece zip-up sweatshirt sitting on the back deck with a glass of white wine welcoming everyone onboard. We will miss her dearly, and will forever cherish the good times and happy moments she brought to us. Vaya con Dios, Rita.

winston and Judy Bentley

November 10, 2014

Reg, so sorry to hear about Rita. My sympathies for you and your family. your cousin--Winston

November 9, 2014

You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76

November 8, 2014

We are so very sorry to hear of Ritas passing. She will be truly missed in the boating community.
Sincerely, Britt and Jesse Simenson

Mike & Wendy Elrod

November 6, 2014

We are so sorry. Rita was a wonderful woman and always remember her sitting on the back of their boat at Roche Harbor. She will be missed for sure.

Wayne Bergman

November 4, 2014

Always loved Reta, her great sence of humor, seemed to always have a smile. She was a great friend to our entire family.
She will be missed by many!
Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family, so sorry to hear of your loss.

Wayne & Nancy Bergman

November 4, 2014

Reg, Lori, Kim, Steve, Jeff and families;
I am so sad to learn of Rita's passing. But her memory sure does bring a smile to my face. She was a great woman!! Big hugs to you all. I'm so sorry. Ashley (Palmer/Taubenheim) Sullivan :)

November 4, 2014

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

November 4, 2014

Sorry to hear of Rita's passing. Reg, we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.

Richard, Doris & Craig Alvord

Paul Naher

November 4, 2014

I am saddened to hear of Rita's passing. We were neighbors for several years and always enjoyed our visits together. Rita said she always knew when my parents were coming for a visit, I would weed the flower beds! My heartfelt prayers are with you Reg, and your wonderful family during this most trying time.

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