Rita Lynn Phipps, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on Nov. 12, 2022 at the age of 65.
Born to Frank and Lorraine Monkus, Rita grew up in Stanfield and married Ronnie Walls and had two boys, Rob and Keith. She remarried in 2001 to Arnie Phipps, her saving love, and lost him only a short time later in 2005. Rita felt very fortunate to find love again with Luis Hernandez, her beloved and devoted partner for the past 15 years.
Rita was a young and loving mother who was able to stay home with her boys until they were a bit older. She then began working full time at Kasari Trucking for Bill Kasari, who she cared for deeply. Rita also enjoyed her time working for her uncles and family at Shockman Brothers Construction. Rita finished her career at Columbia Basin Spreaders working for Allen Cleaver for over 17 years.
Rita loved her family deeply and really enjoyed all the holidays and times they were able to celebrate together. She loved her home and creating beautiful things, both inside her house and out in the garden. She loved animals, especially her dogs, and if “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” she will be really happy to see all her furry friends and all her loved ones that have already passed.
Many people will remember Rita’s beautiful smile, her grit and determination, her kind heart and her abundant love.
Rita leaves behind a loving family and her partner, Luis Hernandez and his family; her sons, Rob and Heather Walls and Keith and Eileen Walls; her brothers, Rod and Terry Monkus and Larry and Melissa Monkus; her sister, Tana and Steve Zabransky; six grandchildren, Sierrah, Hunter, Holden, Owen, Kinley, and Colin; and one great granddaughter, Aurora Lynn. Rita will also miss her beautiful step-daughters, Shelly and Terri and their families, and all her wonderful nieces and nephews.
Rita was preceded in death by her mother and father; her first husband, Ronnie Walls; her second husband, Arnie Phipps; and her two nephews, Brian Monkus and Jake Zabransky.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston, with a short graveside service to follow.
Rita loved flowers and if you would like to send flowers, she would truly appreciate the sentiment.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
