Our dear mother, Rita Elvie Sammalisto, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2023 at 92 years of age. Rita was born in Seattle, WA on July 10, 1931, to Walter Brown and Genevieve (Brown) Ricardi.

Rita spent a good portion of her childhood moving around Washington State and Oregon, the family finally settling in Renton WA.

Rita was a long time Renton resident, living in her home that her father, Joel Ricardi, built and where she raised her family, for 56 years.

Rita was proud to have worked for the Boeing company for 32+ years, especially proud of working on the 747 program.

Rita was strong, brave, fearless and adventurous, with a big loving heart. Her family meant everything to her. Not only did she raise her four children by herself, she opened her home and heart and raised several of her grandchildren.

She loved to travel, and took vacations to Fiji, Mexico, and Hawaii with family. She also took several trips driving her RV, much to her familys objections. You could never tell mom she could not do something, as she would always try to prove you wrong.

Rita is survived by her children, Alex Sammalisto, Heidi Hamblin (Randy), Joel Sammalisto (Nanette), 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, her sister Patricia Knowles, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Christie Bailey in 2007.

These past four years, I as her daughter, and my brother Joel, had the privilege of making sure mom was cared for and that she knew she was loved and never forgotten. We will all miss her dearly.

We wish to thank the staff at Providence Mount St. Vincent who loved and cared for our mama Rita.

Rest in Peace mom, you are forever in our hearts.