Rita Gaulke

Rita Ann Gaulke of Yakima passed away on Sunday, June 29th, 2014 surrounded by loved ones at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima, six days after the death of her husband of 57 years. She was born on September 17, 1936 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Al and Marian Justesen. She attended St Anthony High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rita married Richard (Dick) Gaulke on September 8th, 1956. Richard took an assignment with the Public Health Service and the family moved to Gallup New Mexico, in 1964. After three years, Dick was transferred and the family moved to Yakima, Washington. In Yakima Rita was able to start a career as a para educator in the special education department at Davis High School. She worked at Davis High School for many years before she retired. Rita was very involved in Special Olympics coaching a variety of sports including bowling, basketball and soccer. She was a familiar figure at the regional and state championships. After retirement, Rita enjoyed working at the Gift Shop at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital until 2012. Rita loved playing card games, sewing, arts and crafts, camping, music, shopping, watching her daytime soap operas, teaching, spending time volunteering in the community and being involved with Special Olympics. Early in their marriage Rita and Dick spent many nights square dancing with friends and family. Her passion in life was to care for and help those in need. She was a strong advocate for children with special needs and would often invite those who had nowhere to go on holidays to her family gatherings. She also loved to spend time with her family and shower them with love and attention. Rita is survived by her sisters Jeanne Niznik, Betty Salmela, and Judy Stueve-Weis, her children, Steve (Cindy) Gaulke, Jerry (Amy) Gaulke, Tom (Dawn) Gaulke, Bob (Polly) Gaulke, Lisa (Mike) Moreside, Mike (Carol) Gaulke, Dan (Jennifer) Gaulke; her beloved niece Pat (Rick) Mallonee; 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Richard Gaulke. The family is grateful for the loving and professional care given to Rita by her caregivers Gloria and Breanna, and the staff at Cottage in the Meadow. Donations may be made in her memory to Special Olympics of Washington. The family is planning a memorial service to be held on July 19th at 2 P.M. at Valley Hills Funeral Home, Yakima. Online tributes can be shared at www.valleyhillsfh.com. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima is in care of the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita Gaulke, please visit our flower store.