Rita C Willey, 97 of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on July 28, 2024 of natural causes.
She was born in Chester, MA in 1927 and was the daughter of Roy and Marcella Wheeler. Rita and former spouse, Richard Willey (deceased) had 4 children. She is survived by her daughter Leah Knorr of Scottsdale, AZ, her son Vernon Willey of Brussels, Belgium, her brother Leland Wheeler and sister-in-law Pat Wheeler of Westfield, MA. She is predeceased by her sons Brian of Yuma, AZ and Gene of Westfield, MA.
She is also survived by three grandchildren: Jenny Duran of Scottsdale, Carrie Mitooka of Pleasanton, CA, and Danelle Van Metre of Livermore, CA plus seven great grandchildren.
Rita worked hard her entire life. After many years as an office manager for Dr. Jones in West Springfield, MA, she then worked in admitting at Wesson Memorial and Holyoke hospitals. Upon retirement, she relocated to Scottsdale, AZ, where she fully embraced the southwest spirit. She loved the warm climate and was happiest when maintaining her home, doing yoga, and having a cold beer at 4 in the afternoon. She enjoyed several European vacations with her son Vern and exploring Arizona, California, and Mexico with her daughter, Leah. She was full of energy right up until the end and will be missed by many.
Ms. Rita was the Best neighbor that anyone could have .She help me clean the neighborhood by picking weeds. She even would babysit my grandson fish when we went out of town. Rest in peace Rita and will always be in my thoughts.