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Rita Gaylor Obituary
RITA RUTH GAYLOR
November 1, 1940 ˜ June 21, 2024
On Friday, June 21, 2024, Rita Gaylor, aged 83, passed away at home. Rita was born Nov. 1, 1940, in Newell, SD. She and her family moved to Vancouver, WA, in 1945. Rita graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1958 and Evergreen State College in 1980. On Nov. 25, 1961, Rita married Robert “Bob” Gaylor at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Vancouver.
For nearly 30 years, Rita worked as a probation counselor and manager at Clark County Juvenile Court, During this time, she touched countless lives with her compassion and unwavering commitment to justice.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert Gaylor (2016), and granddaughter, Ashley (1993). Rita is survived by her four children, Darren (Debbie), Dean (Kelley), Damon (Shelly), and Deanna (Kevin) Turner; sister, Judy Ruth; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, who meant the world to her and carry forward her legacy of kindness and dedication.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rita was cherished for her warm spirit and love of community. She was known for her infectious laughter, her love of gardening, and her passion for travel, but mostly for spending time with family and serving in the community.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Vincent DePaul, Vancouver Conference, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping people in need.
May she rest in peace, knowing her legacy of compassion
lives on in the lives she touched.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Gaylor
5 Entries
Paul Kuter
July 9, 2024
I worked many years with Rita. She was my intern while she was in college and I was very happy when she got hired for juvenile probation officer. I watched Rita grow and become a complete success at the job. Her energy was phenomenal! She was companionate and firm, but always patient and fair. A perfect PO! I was happy to watch her be promoted to manager to lead and train others. She is most certainly a huge loss to her family and this community.
Lise Olsen
July 3, 2024
Rita was my mom's best friend for many years. Rita has been a rock for my mom and our family. She helped Mom (Lynne Stacy) whenever we asked, especially this past year as my step dad moved through the hospice process. I'm so thankful that mom and Rita got to spend a lot of quality time together this past year. She was a treasure and we will miss her deeply.
Becky Shipley
June 26, 2024
Rita will always be that little beacon of light at St. Vincent de Paul and we will miss her spark tremendously. A St. V sister we will truly miss.
Amy and Mike Turner
June 25, 2024
Rita had a wonderful sparkle about her. We remember fondly when she and Bob came to visit Vermont with Deanna and Kevin. We can see her smile clearly in my memory. We know she was cherished by her Turner grandkids, Robin and Margaret. We will be making the trip to WA to celebrate Rita's life with all of her family and friends.
Teresa Johnson
June 25, 2024
Rita at my home In April '24 for a retirement celebration Juvenile court employees and friends. Rita loved to share and celebrate others successes in life.
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