Rita Kay Blanton

Rita Kay Blanton, age 70, of Union died Friday, November 22, 2002 at her home in Union.


Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union Cemetery with Pastor Dan Mielke of the Union Baptist Church officiating.


Rita was born on April 26, 1932, the daughter of Doyle and Ernestine (Toy) Raybourn in Denver, Colorado. She was educated in Denver and on June 26, 1955 she married George Blanton in Las Vegas, Nevada. They moved to La Grande in 1958. In the mid 1980's they moved to Reno and in 1994 they returned to Oregon and made their home in Union.


Rita worked for the St. Joseph hospital until it closed and then worked for Dr. Stenfield and for Cam Credits. She loved to watch artists paint. Her family was the most important part of her life.


Survivors include her husband of 47 years, George Blanton II of Union; children, Terry and Dennis Kaneaster of Umatilla, Sheryl Colvin of Newburg, George Blanton III of Union, Charlotte and Allan Hansen of Elgin, Patty Caswell & her fiancé, Craig Claude of Union and Cindy and Rudy Gelowicz of Gresham; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Her parents and a brother, Charles Raybourn, preceded her in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Rita to the GRH Home Care Services in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.