Rita passed away unexpectedly on January 11 from heart complications.  She is preceded in death by her parents Frederick Edward Volker and Amelia Poch Volker. She leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Michael (Mike), a daughter, Terri and three grandchildren Catherine, Amelia-Claire, and Betsy, and two sisters Dolores Volker Wyatt (Michael) and Bonita Volker, and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rita is known by those who love her as the sweetest person, and always reminds them of beautiful things: flamingos, pink and sweetheart roses.

She attended Holy Angels Catholic School, Deep Creek High School, Tidewater Community College (Summa Cum Laude), and Old Dominion University. During high school she was a member of Deep Creek High School Chorus, Virginia State Chorale, and was an excellent piano student.  She was an accomplished home economist with exceptional counted cross stitch skills and outstanding cooking skills.

She began her career with C&P Telephone Company in 1965 working at night while attending high school during the day.  She climbed the corporate ladder from part time operator to managerial level and retired in 2002.  Shortly following her retirement, she began working at Portsmouth Family Dental LLC in 2003 as a receptionist and remained until Covid interrupted the world.

She traveled with her family and husband Mike throughout the USA from New England to Florida, Virginia, California and Alaska (a six – week family adventure in Summer 1967 on the Alaskan Highway when only five miles of it was paved). She preferred staying in hotels, and often took road trips and camped in tents or trailers.

Rita loved animals (especially Sandy, her cocker spaniel of 25 years), people, and shopping. She was a most gracious giver, always sharing her found treasures with friends and family. She loved her sister Dottie’s Potato Salad.

As a mom and grandma, better known as “Honey,” by her beloved granddaughters, she became an active Girl Scout Parent, High School Choral Parent and Religious Education teacher.

A Mass of the Resurrection for Rita will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 34 Afton Parkway, Portsmouth, VA 23702, a lifetime parishioner, where she received all her sacraments. The mass is at 11:00 a.m. Monday January 31, 2022, with a reception to follow. Interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make a Memorial Donation to Holy Angels Catholic Church Restoration Fund.