Rita Ellen Hale

Rita Ellen Hale, a long-time resident of Olympia, went home to her heavenly Father on Thursday, November 23, 2017. Born February 6, 1950, in Waynesboro, Virginia, Rita attended Rockfish Valley Elementary, Nelson County High School and Job Corp, taking secretarial courses. She received her CNA certificate in 1980. Rita worked as a home health aide for 30 years and later ran her own day care from her home. Rita enjoyed cooking for her family and she loved to go dancing at the Little Red Barn in Grand Mound. Rita was a very social person, she never met a stranger. Her front porch was the gathering place for the neighborhood. If you were walking by, she would call hello and welcome you to sit and have a cup of coffee. Rita loved the Lord and attended First Baptist Church of Lacey. She is survived by her children, Tammra Ells (Gene), Theresa Smith (Barb) and Christopher Hale (Ashlea); grandchildren, James Ells (Carissa), Matthew Ells, Kristyana Hale; and great grandchildren, Arthur Ells and Sephora Ells. Rita also leaves behind her sisters, Marian Grubb (Danny), Beth Viar (Roger); and her brother, Bennie Dodd. Rita had several honorary grandchildren, Emma Hill, Andrew Tucker, Noah Tucker, Bobbie Hughes, Liam Wilder and Justin Whitwood. She had numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own. Rita has joined her parents, Bennie and Altha Dodd, and her sister, Wilma Richards, in Heaven where they are surely dancing and praising our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please leave memories of Rita or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.