Rita Williams

My Life Story Rita Anne Sedlmayer Williams passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the age of 86. Rita was a devoted wife, wonderful mother, and doting grandmother. For many years, Rita was the organizer for many Williams’ family activities and vacations, which she seemed to do effortlessly while humming a favorite song. To Rita, life was all about keeping family close at heart and enjoying truly wonderful friends. Rita was born June 24, 1928 in Caldwell, Idaho to George and Mildred (Hall) Sedlmayer. Her father passed away when she was only two, so she was raised along with her sister Mary Lou, and four older siblings by her mother, Mimi, a teacher. Those were the Depression years, so Rita worked to help the family while in high school and college. She attended Caldwell High School graduating in 1946, then attended The College of Idaho, graduating Cum Laude in elementary education in 1950. She was a member (and President) of the Sigma Epsilon Sorority. While at the College, she met Richard L (Dick) Williams, also from Caldwell. They were married July 14th, 1950. After a brief year in New Jersey with the National Guard and a year at Stanford University, they settled in Boise, Idaho, where Rita taught 5th grade at Koelsch School for 30 years and raised three children, Rick, Ron and Diane. Rita and Dick were married for 64 years, spending summers camping with the family throughout Idaho, or at the family cabin on the lake at McCall. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling to Europe, Costa Rica, and Hawaii with family and friends. Rita loved experiencing new cultures, sights, and foods. Rita was active in the Boise education community through University Women, the Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Sorority, PEO Chapter BO, Retired Teachers Association, Daughters of The Nile, and the College of Idaho Half-Century Club. She and Dick loved music, attended the Boise Philharmonic and the Sun Valley Jazz Festival for many years. They were also active at St John’s Catholic Church, where they sang together in the choir for 35 years. Rita is survived by her husband, Dick, three children Rick Williams (Shauna), Ron Williams (Sara), and Diane Matthews (John), five grandchildren Jake Matthews (Gabreal), Jessica Harris, Alec Williams, Ben Williams (Michelle), Chris Williams, and three great grandchildren, Dalynn, Kohen, and Kolton. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Barbee, and numerous nieces and nephews. Rita was given exceptional and loving care in her last months by Dr. Eric Maier, Dr. Beth Malasky, Meadow Lake, and St. Luke’s Hospice. A Vigil service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 6:00PM at St. John's Cathedral, 707 N. 8th St., Boise. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 11:00AM, also at St. John's Cathedral. A reception will immediately follow the Mass. Remembrances may be left for the family www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita can be given to the Caldwell PEO Chapter House, 114 E Logan St, Caldwell, ID 83605 or your favorite charity.