Obituary of Rita Marie Belcher

Rita Marie Belcher 1930 - 2018 It is with great sorrow that the family of Rita Marie Belcher announce her passing on Friday, October 26, 2018 in Cranbrook, British Columbia at 88 years of age. Rita was born in Legal, Alberta on January 11, 1930 and moved to Columbia Lake from Legal in 1946 with her husband, Bob. They built Belmont Motel and Cafe where they lived, worked and raised their family of 7 children. Rita worked and ran the Belmont Motel and Cafe where she made her famous apple pies that were loved by all. She cut Christmas trees in the fall of the year, when she would have a little competition with Bob to see who would cut the most amount of trees (and occasionally won). She raised a large garden and had many assorted farm animals, pigs, cattle and chickens. She participated in community activities in Canal Flats, served as a Boy Scout leader and was a member of the Ladies Lions Club. Rita and Bob attended most of the local community dances where many watched as they showed their skill and love of dancing together. In 1981, she moved to Marysville with her husband Bob and son Walter. There she worked for the Kimberley School District in the Custodial Department until retirement. In 1992, Rita and Bob moved to Cranbrook where they resided with their son Walter until March 2009 when she became a resident of Joseph Creek Village and resided there for the remainder of her life. Rita loved gardening, animals of all kinds, golfing, knitting, bingo, cards, most of all she loved baking and cooking for the family gatherings. She was at her happiest when she had a packed house with all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she truly loved her family with all her heart. Rita is survived by her children: Susie (Marvin) Bond, Jim (Faye) Belcher, Eva (Steve) Bayley, John (Rita) Belcher, Patty (Glen) Bell, George (Maria) Belcher; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; her sister Estelle Bachand, and brother Robert Julien of Prince George, British Columbia. She was predeceased by the love of her life of 64 years, her husband Bob, her son Walter; her parents Melina and Raymond Julien and sisters Alma, Edna, Mona, Rachel and brothers Charlie and Eugene. A drop in Memorial Tea in honour of Rita's life will be held on Saturday, November 3, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the McPherson Funeral Home Reception Room in Cranbrook. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honour of Rita may do so to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com