Rita M. Raychel passed away peacefully on Thursday Jan. 17, 2013. She was 79 years of age. Rita was born March 16, 1933 in Barton, the daughter of Lloyd and Ethel Kickbush. Rita graduated from West Bend High School. Rita was a majorette, modeled and served as queen in Job's Daughters.

She married Edward J. Raychel in 1955. After her marriage Rita travelled around the world with Ed during his career in the United States Air Force. Their assignment to Landstuhl, Germany, provided them the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. She called Colorado Springs, Moses Lake, and Anchorage home before retiring to Bellevue, Wash.

Rita enjoyed many retirement trips with Ed. Visiting family and friends all over the United States was a great enjoyment to her. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved gardening and reading immensely. Her family was a significant source of pride and enjoyment to her, and they will all miss her deeply. Rita was preceded in death by her brother, Roland Kickbush. She has one surviving sister, Phyllis Craig. Other survivors include her husband, Ed; son, Mark R. Raychel; daughters, Sharon A. Kegley and Gayle L. Raychel; five grandchildren, Rachel Maclean, Shadrick Raychel, Scott Kegley, Shantel Raychel and Kyle Raychel; and three great-grandchildren, Khloee, Rozlynn and Valkyrie. A memorial service will be held at St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked contributions to be made to the Hopelink in Bellevue, Wash. Friends are invited to view photos, get directions and share memories in the family’s online guestbook at www.flintofts.com.

Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory, (425) 392-6444.