Rita Magdalene Cordrey

In Loving Memory of

Rita M. Cordrey

   A longtime local resident, Rita Cordrey, 94, passed away on August 25, 2026 from injuries sustained in a fall. She was born February 12, 1932, in Garrison, North Dakota to Henry and Loretta Michels.

   Rita’s family moved to many different towns for her father’s work, finally they settled in Kelso, Washington. Rita later married her high school sweetheart, John Cordrey, on February 4, 1951 in Kelso, WA. Together they had 5 children. The family moved many times following John’s work in the timber industry, which led them to Plum Creek Lumber Co. in Arden, WA in 1977.

   Rita loved life and never met a stranger. She was a woman of deep faith, a member of the Mount Carmel Auxiliary and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She belonged to the Library Improvement Club, Panorama Gem & Mineral Club, Arden Homemakers, Plum Crazy Ladies Red Hats, Eagles Auxiliary #2797, and Colville Community Center (The Hub). For many years she was in charge of the flower department at the NEWA fair. She volunteered at the Stevens County Historical Society Museum. She led a water aerobics class at the pool at Benny’s Colville Inn for many years. She was an avid reader and gardener; a dedicated walker who completed 21 Bloomsday races; and a quilter. Rita also took great pride in cheering on her children and grandchildren at all of their sporting events. She was a true community champion for many of the kids and teams. Rita was a rockhound who also enjoyed gold panning and spent many years digging for dinosaur fossils at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Rita loved to travel and enjoyed trips to England, Scotland, Wales, Spain, Portugal, Italy, New Zealand, Hawaii, and many trips to Ainsworth Hot Springs in British Columbia with her girls. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Deep Lake, and her coffee and Bunko groups and lunches and Bingo at the Hub.

   She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 42 years, John Cordrey, son Chris Cordrey, grandson, Reuben Cordrey, brother, Ken Michels, Brother in-law, Jim Goodman, brother in-law, Ron LaFave, and son in-law, Bill Davis.

   Rita is survived by her sisters, Darlene Goodman of Longview, Washington, Marie LaFave of Kelso, Washington, brother, Harley (Carol) Michels of Longview, Washington, son, Tom (Vicki) Cordrey of Kingsland, Georgia, daughters, Susan Davis of Colville, Washington, Holly (Roger) Larsen of Colville, Washington, and Katy Cordrey (Dave DeFelice) of Spokane, Washington; grandson, Louis Pardini of Colville, Washington, granddaughters, Mary (Cole) Easterday of Hermiston, Oregon and Amber Todd of Fortuna, California, (7) great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

   A Rosary will be held for Rita M. Cordrey at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville, Washington, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville with graveside committal to follow at Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville. A luncheon will follow at the Hub Senior Center in Colville.

   Memorial contributions may be given to the Mount Carmel Hospital Auxiliary, Colville Senior Center (The Hub) or the Stevens County Historical Society Museum. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.