Rita Mary Dietrich

Rita Mary Dietrich, beloved matriarch of our family passed away July 21, 2023, at the age of 96 at her home in Brush Prairie, surrounded by her loving family. Rita was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Mary (Hauger) Ringstad and Alfred Ringstad. She was married on June 24, 1950, to William (Bill) Dietrich. 

Rita was the Hockinson School secretary for many years and also worked for her husband as secretary for his consulting engineer office in Battle Ground. 

Rita was a member of Altrusa International of Clark County, a business club promoting community service with an emphasis on literacy. She was well known for her famous pies, which brought high dollars at the Altrusa fundraiser events. 

She remained very active in family activities, such as Taco Tuesday dinners, birthday parties and holiday events. She was able to live independently until the last few months of her life. Rita also remained active in the Dietrich Family Partnership as an honorary member and participated in the partnership meetings acting as an excellent mediator on decision-making and future planning regarding the family homestead property. 

Rita is preceded in death by her husband, William Dietrich, daughter Kathy Dietrich, brother Clyde Ringstad and sister Ardys Leckel. 

She is survived by sister Anna Mae, son Fred Dietrich Sr., daughter Debby Dietrich- Tansy, granddaughters Laurie Wolford and Shay Stiles, grandsons Cam Porter and Fred Dietrich Jr. and her many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who will miss her so very much. 

A celebration of life will be held from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at the Battle Ground Community Center in the Moulton Falls Room: Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. 

flIn lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Rita’s name to the North County Community Food Bank: 

DONATION RECEIVING HOURS: 

Monday through Thursdays: 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. 

Friday morning: 7:30 – Noon 

LOCATION: 

North County Community Food Bank: (Tan-colored brick building) 

17 N.E. Third Ave. 

Battle Ground 

MAILING ADDRESS: 

PO BOX 2106 

BATTLE GROUND, WA 98604 

Phone: 1-360-687-5007