Rita E. Martin

Rita E. Martin, 90, passed away peacefully February 11, 2017, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. She was born June 1, 1926 in Anacortes, Washington, to Charles P. and Mary E. (Burgett) Weaverling. The family moved to Olympia when Rita was very young. She attended schools in Olympia, graduating from Olympia High School in 1946. Rita worked as an usher at the Liberty Theater during her teen years, and for Pacific Northwest Bell as a telephone operator after high school graduation. She married James Edward Martin on November 8, 1947 at St. Michael Parish in Olympia. She remained a homemaker after their marriage. Rita was involved in the high school drama department and, in later years, enjoyed entertaining her grandchildren with piano duets and telling funny stories. Her family and friends remember her great sense of humor and always being ready for a good laugh during their visits. She was a CB radio operator for a number of years, making friends as “Big Mama” over the air waves. Rita is survived by daughters, Malinda Levesque and Carole Martin, and son, Dennis Martin, all of Olympia; grandchildren, Chris Levesque (Kelly) of Olympia, Jennifer Levesque Martin (James) of Dupont, Jacob Literal and Karley Literal of Olympia; great grandchildren, Genevieve Levesque, Adrianna Levesque, Lola Levesque, Norah Martin, and Evan Martin. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Edward Martin; brother, Charles Anthony Weaverling; granddaughters, Annie and Alicia Pearce; and son-in-law, James Michael Levesque. In Rita’s later years, she suffered from dementia. Even in the times of confusion, she had a sparkle in her eyes and a smile that will be missed by all who loved her. Please leave memories of Rita or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.