Rita Marie Wafford

Rita passed away on Thurs. Nov. 20, 2025, from natural causes. She was born on Nov. 6, 1936 in Portland Oregon to parents John & Rita Lynett. At the early age of 3 1/2 the family moved to Toledo, OR. Rita stated several years later that her parents kidnapped her from where she could ride her tricycle on the sidewalk to a mud hole, which she couldn't play in. Life was very different for her as her parents had bought a farm which later became their livelihood as a dairy farm. Rita and younger sister Kathleen attended and graduated from public school in Toledo.

 Later Rita, went on to attend community college, graduating at the top of her class as a Medical Assistant.

A few years later she met the love of her life Chuck Wafford from Springfield OR. Chuck & Rita had a passion for traveling. They went on several overseas trips such as New Zealand, Hawaii, England, Australia, & Italy. They also took lots of vacation in the United States while looking for Griswold Cast Iron.

Rita had many great qualities. She loved to quilt, sew, stain glass, painting, canning along with gardening. She loved spending time with family and friends. In the last few years she loved it when visitors would drop by to see her. Rita moved to Woodside Assisted Living in Springfield in 2024.

Rita is survived by sons Jay Linhart of Springfield, Jesse Linhart of Alaska, along with stepchildren: Charlie Wafford of Veneta OR, Char Kingsbury of Salem OR, Diane Henderson of Woodburn OR & Carol Caroll of Lakewood WA. (Rita wanted it known that she loved & cherished her stepchildren very much. She often said she didn't know what she would do without them.) She also has several grandchildren & Great grandchildren.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband Chuck, parents John & Rita, son Martin and daughter Jenny.

Funeral services will be held at Musgrove Family Mortuary, 225 S. Danebo Av, Eugene OR on Dec. 4, 2025. Viewing @ 12:00, service at 1pm. Burial immediately following.

Mama, you always said "to say something nice about you even if you have to make it up". So just know that you were a good, loving, kind & generous lady who thought the world of your family. You will be greatly missed!