Rita Kerkof Snyder,
Passed away on 1/11/2024 at the age of 94 in Arlington, she is fondly remembered by her surviving children Mary (John), Steve (Rosalie), Robert (Tina), and Gordon (DeEtta). She is also survived by sisters Patty (John) and Cecile (Michelle), along with sisters-in-law Debbie and Cheryl. Rita, a beloved grandmother to 11 and a great-grandmother to 7, had numerous nieces and nephews as well.
Preceded in death by her parents, Achiel and Lillian Kerkof, her daughter Nancy, and six siblings, Rita is also predeceased by her dear friend and companion, Ben. Together, Rita and Ben shared a decade of joyous travel to places like New Zealand and Australia, countless dinners and adventurous RV trips.
Born in Seattle to Achiel & Lillian Kerkof, Rita spent her childhood in the family home on Beacon Hill. She attended St. George Catholic School and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1947. During the war, she and her sisters collected scrap metal. Rita worked at Jules Maes Saloon in Georgetown for her great uncle. Recruited by the FBI during her senior year of high school, she dedicated her career to the organization, retiring in 1991. Rita raised her five children in Bellevue, WA.
Beyond her professional life, Rita found joy in various artistic pursuits, creating cherished hand-stitched quilts and painting porcelain. She had a passion for reading, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and collecting tea pots and mini shoes. Rita also spent many wonderful times camping and traveling with her dear niece Diane Claeys.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Olympic Place and Providence Hospice for their supportive care and kindness during Rita’s final days. Rita’s absence is deeply felt by her loved ones and friends, she will be dearly missed.
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