Obituary of Rita Skeldon

Rita Viola Jane was born on October 19th, 1939 to Ralph and Margaret Morton at Dawson Creek, BC. Left to cherish her memory is Ross, her husband of 43 years, daughter Thora and two granddaughters, Tara and Deanna, daughter Carol and son in law Rick Siedel and two grandsons, Tyrell and Blake, daughter Barbara and son in law Glen Dyck and a new grandbaby on the way. She is survived by two brothers: Ron (Mabel) Morton and Leonard Morton of Dawson Creek BC. Also her three sisters: Pat (Mike) Feschuk of Dawson Creek, Judy Altizer of Lacombe, Alberta, Vera (Ervin) Grove High Level, Alberta, and several nieces and nephews. She will be missed by Aunt Joyce (Herb Russell) of Dawson Creek and extended family and friends. Rita was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Margaret Morton, sister Helen and brother Bobby. Rita was the third eldest of eight children. Her older sister had passed away before Rita was born. Rita lost her mother 3 days before her ninth birthday at which time her grandma came from Manitoba to assist with the children. Rita's school years were spent in Dawson Creek. She must have been a good student for grandma as she learned her lessons well. After leaving school Rita worked for different families who needed help in their homes. From there she went to cooking in construction and oil rig camps. I remember one summer going up to Hudson Hope when she was working at a camp for the construction on the WAC Bennett Dam. She was the boss of her kitchen and those men knew it and so did I. There is a story told about how one of the men in camp complained to Rita about to many onions in the meal, guess what kind of sandwiches she made for him the next day? My bet is that he never complained about her cooking again. It was when Rita was working on a road camp up the Alaska Highway that she met her partner for life Ross Skeldon. Ross and Rita were married May 22, 1965 and were blessed with three beautiful daughters. After Thora came along Rita quite working away on camp jobs and started working as the cook at the Fort Nelson Hospital. She worked there from Aug 1965 until retiring in Oct 1999. Rita's life revolved around her family and she was very proud of her daughters and their accomplishments. She wanted them to get a good education and be self efficient so they would not have to depend on anyone. Rita saved and sacrificed so her girls could have the opportunity to go on to post secondary education. The girls didn't disappoint their mother as Thora went through to become a Registered Nurse, Carol received an Office Administration Diploma and Greenhouse Management Certificate, and Barbara obtained a Dental Assistant Certificate. With a heart full of a mother's love she wanted the best for her daughters so they would have more opportunities than she did. Thora, Carol, and Barbara describe their mother as a giver, selfless, compassionate, caring, and strong. It didn't come as a surprise that her daughters described her as a giver. When I was 14 years old and returned home to the farm from living with our grandmother in Manitoba Rita was already out of the home working. However, I remember when she used to come home she would take me to Sweet Sixteen and buy me the latest fashions. She also took her youngest brother Bobby to Edmonton and bought him his first car a 1957 Chevy. Rita was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and she played each role lovingly. As she was courageously fighting her battle with cancer in Cranbrook at Thora's she was always concerned about her family in Fort Nelson. Rita's grandchildren were very special to her, she was proud and loved her little girls and her boys as she called them, and was anticipating the new grandchild's arrival. So Tara, Deanna, Tyrel and Blake follow your dreams nothing is impossible and you have a grandma who is rooting for you. Family was important to Rita and she would have done anything within her power without complaint for any one of us. As with most families we live our lives and sometimes don't see each other much but it was always a comfort to know Rita was there, and no matter the distance or time love abided. This last year when Rita was in Cranbrook, her sister Judy was with her. Rita often referred to Judy as her angel, well now Judy she is your guardian angel watching over you. Rita rededicated her life to the Lord when she was in Cranbrook and I know she is with her Redeemer and is cheering the rest of us on in our race. We all have our memories that will help us through this time of separation from her. Memories are gifts that can be unwrapped again and again. Pat remembers how Rita's face lit up when you surprised her a couple of weeks ago with a visit? Oh that sweet mischievous smile and endearing way she wrinkled her nose when she did not like something. Rita, you are loved. Rita had such a gift of making each one of us feel special and loved. It was humbling to witness the overwhelming outpour of care for Rita by the many lives she had touched over the years. Rita passed away on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 in Fort Nelson, B.C. A funeral service was held on Saturday, July 5th, 2008 at 2:00 pm at the Hillcrest United Church. Rev Joan Rennie-Laing officiated. Interment was held in the Fort Nelson Cemetery. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.