Rita A. Miller was born to Virl W. and Eula V. (Kotthoff) Case in Jefferson. She attended Dever-Conner School and graduated from Albany High School in 1941.
In 1942, during World War II, Rita joined many women at Boeing in Seattle, Washington, building B-176s. The ladies who worked for the war effort were known as Rosie the Riveters and she was very proud to be a member of that organization. After leaving Seattle, Rita worked for the government in Portland at the induction facility handing out orders to the new recruits.
After the war, Rita lived in California for a short time before returning home to Albany. She worked in retail and waitressing before purchasing the Linger Longer Tavern from her father in the late '50s. She owned and operated the tavern for many years.
Rita enjoyed a long retirement after selling the tavern and spent much of her leisure time ocean and river fishing for salmon and steelhead. The Alsea River was her favorite. Other interests were hunting and gathering morel mushrooms, and making the family homemade raspberry jelly, bread and butter pickles, and angel food cakes.
She is survived by her children Randy a. Carter of Albany, Steve V. Miller of Tangent and Stephanie J. Aultman of Sweet Home; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Virl and Eula Case; sister Constance Search of Seattle, Washington; and baby brother Billy Gene who died as 6 months of age.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice for its excellent care and concern in Rita's case.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements.