Rita Mae Schulze, age 85, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away at the home of her daughter, Anna Wilkinson, Wednesday, July 15, 2020.  She was born July 26, 1934 in Forrest Lake, Minnesota to Anthony and Wilhelminia (Mersch) Schmitt; the middle child out of seven children.

Rita met Herbert M "Bud" Schulze while both were residing at Beale's Boarding House in Sedro-Woolley and they were happily married on October 3, 1959.

Rita has always valued caring for others through her career as a psychiatric nurse at Northern State Hospital until it closed. She attended Western Washington University to become a special education teacher for the Sedro-Woolley School District; retiring in 1992 after 20 years.

Rita was an avid bird-watcher and loved gardening. She was a member of the Skagit Genealogy Society, serving for a time as secretary, and teaching many classes. She enjoyed sewing and crafts, making many beautiful things for friends and family.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Anna (Mark) Wilkinson, Kathleen "Kate" (Robert) Carpenter, and Teresa "Tess" Schulze; grandchildren, Zac Carpenter and Marshall Wilkinson; sisters, Jean (Robert) Soebbing, and Marjorie (Darrel) Stresemann; brother, Steven Schmitt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bud Schulze; sister, Lorraine Kilby; brothers, Arthur Schmitt and Wilfred Schmitt.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Hospice of the Northwest.  Rita's final resting place will be at Hamilton Cemetery next to her beloved husband, Bud.  Share your memories of Rita and sign the online guest register.