Rita Parker

Rita Diane (Moreau) Parker passed away unexpectedly after a short illness on April 13, 2025, in Kennewick, Washington. She was born November 9, 1951, to Joseph and Rose (Morin) Moreau in Barre, Vermont. Joseph landed a job opportunity for Boeing in Renton, WA, as an Overhead Crane Operator. Soon after Rita’s mom, Rose, followed and the family moved in 1952. 

She attended Kent Meridian High School and received her GED from Green River Community College. 

Her first job in high school was at the A&W in downtown Kent, as a carhop. After the birth of her daughter, Deanna, she began a new job working for Container Corporation of America in Renton, dedicating 15+ years to the company. 

In 1994, she moved from Washington state to Oregon securing a job at Bright Wood, in Madras. During her employment at Bright Wood, she met the love of her life and sweetheart Michael Parker. 

Her next career venture began at JC Penny as an associate. Her hard work and dedication was recognized, and she was promoted to display manager. After working there a few years, Rita felt a calling and decided to officially retire to dedicate her life to volunteering in her community and committing herself to helping her family. 

With her husband's faithful support, they moved back to Washington State where Rita instilled her faith and love for Christ into her grandchildren and those around her. Spending time caring for her family and extended family was Rita’s deepest devotion outside of following her Lord and Savior. Her greatest joy was watching and nurturing all her grandchildren, and she referred to them as her angels.

She fulfilled her calling to service to inspire the love of Jesus in a variety of different capacities. Her volunteer work was extensive and included senior citizen ministries, children’s ministries, prayer teams, mission trips, praise and worship teams, Rodeo Bible Camp and janitorial services. Her biggest love became being the “Intake Consultant” for Life Options on the Mobile Unit. 

A dear friend Connie, who worked as a nurse with Rita on the Mobile Unit, shared what an honor it was to know her sister in Christ, Rita, and that she admired how Rita spoke her mind but always told you she loved you. Rita loved people regardless of their background. She had a loving personality, contagious smile, and a fearless attitude. Her love for her friends was evident, and she had nicknames for many. They could always count on her for anything day or night.

Her service to Life Options was Rita’s last hoorah before whole-heartedly retiring.

She spent her remaining years surrounding herself with loved ones and enjoying hobbies such as camping, trips to the ocean, gardening, fishing, riding horses and competing in equestrian competitions (cutting), watching her grandchildren in their sporting events, and spending time with her beloved dogs. Michael and Rita became assistant managers at the Sunnyside RV Park and made life-long friendships with Martin, Peggy, and many others. Her most treasured hobby was spending time with her husband Michael, family, and friends.

Rita’s love and devotion for her husband Michael was undeniable. The two built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure for nearly 29 years. Love notes for one another could often be found in the kitchen. They spent evenings playing dice games, enjoying each other’s company around their fire pit, and making wonderful memories together. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Moreau and Rose (Morin) McDougall; brothers Gene, Jimmy, and Gary Moreau; sister Joan Irwin; and son James “Jimmy” Dollar.

She will be missed dearly by her loyal and loving husband and soulmate Michael Parker of Sunnyside, WA; daughter Deanna (Henry) Driesen of Sunnyside, WA; sister Elaine Darrow of Yakima WA; brother Thomas (Linda) Moreau of Omak, WA;  “bonus” son Michael Jr. of Lake View, OR; “bonus” daughters Christine (Christopher) Underwood of West Richland, WA, Andrea Hurn of Graham, WA, and Marneye (Tyson) Driesen of Zillah, WA; grandchildren Rick (Kinsey) Driesen, Jordan Floyd, Katelyn Driesen; “bonus” grandchildren Teren (Whitney) Underwood, Anthony (Rami) Underwood; great-grandchildren Riker Floyd, Kasen Driesen, and baby Driesen due in October; “bonus” great-grandchildren Luka Underwood and Jayce Underwood; best friend Lee Weeks; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church, Sunnyside, WA.   In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Life Options or Sunnyside Christian High School.  Those wishing to sign Rita’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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