Rita Munson

Rita Munson

Rita Munson, 59, of Union Gap, Wash., passed away on Nov. 21, 2011, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. She was born on Jan. 6, 1952, in Beek, Holland, to Johannes and Bernadina (Janssen) Van Houdt.

Rita moved with her family as a baby to Montana, where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Malta High School in Malta, Mont. She worked for First State Bank in Malta before marrying Daryl Munson on Sept. 2, 1972. After living in various places in northeastern Montana, she and Daryl settled down in Havre from 1986 to 2009, after which they moved to Union Gap to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Rita enjoyed sewing (prom and wedding dresses), quilting and reading. She did professional quality work, mostly for family. She loved her children and grandchildren and all family-related activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johannes and Bernadina Van Houdt.

Rita is survived by her husband of 39 years, Daryl Munson of Union Gap; sons, Andrew Munson of Seatac, Wash., and Keith (Susan) Munson of Edmonds, Wash. ; daughter, Angela (Aric) Frohman of Bremerton, Wash. ; brothers, Francis (Sally) Van Houdt of Dillon, Mont., Gerard (Roxanne) Van Houdt of Pasco, Wash., Al (Rita) Van Houdt of Bothel, Wash., Anthony (Paula) Van Houdt of St. Helens, Ore., John (Pattie) Van Houdt of Ft. Worth, Texas, Paul (Kathy) Van Houdt of Broomfield, Colo., and Peter (Michele) Van Houdt of Marysville, Wash. ; sisters, Cecelia Cravens of Cut Bank, Mont., Theresa (Pat) Boyer of Bozeman, Mont., Hatsi (Frank) McCormick of Colorado Springs, Colo., Rosie (Frank) Bednarczyk of Malta, Mont., Bernie (Jim) Olson of Happy Valley, Ore., Judy (Mike) Zilch of Great Falls, Mont., Jo (Ross) Hasler of Malta, Mont., and Lorie Hould of Las Vegas, Nev. ; grandchildren, Dylan and- Reilly Munson, and Abigail Frohman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be offered on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, from 3 to 6 p. m., with rosary to begin at 5 p. m. at the Valley Hills Funeral Home chapel in Yakima.

Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at 10 a. m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Yakima. Graveside committal will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011. at 10 a. m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton, Wash. Online condolences can be made at http://www.valleyhillsfh.com. Valley Hills Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.