Rita Lorraine Arb

Rita Lorraine Arb

Rita Lorraine Arb passed away at her home on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019. She was born in Aberdeen, Brown, S.D., to Lorraine Lomont Arb and Lillian Irene Hanson Arb on Aug. 31, 1953. She spent her early years in different places throughout South Dakota. When Rita was nine the family moved to Denver, Colo., area and remained there for about three years.

The family then moved to Glenwood Springs, Colo. Next it was on to the Seattle area for three years.

In 1971 the family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where she spent most of the rest of her life. The family started doing the mail route to Porthill, Idaho, and Rita eventually took this over, delivering mail for more than 33 years. She loved her job and the people she served, particularly the young children who came out to get the mail.

Rita loved children and started teaching primary after school. She always had fun trying to trick them and they remember her fondly.

Once nephews and nieces came along, she spent as much time with them as she could.

In 2008, Rita retired from the mail route and moved to Parma, Idaho, to be with her sister, Fran. Then in 2013 they both moved back to Bonners Ferry with her niece Moriah.

Rita had many hobbies and things that brought joy to her life. She loved to cook, enjoyed sewing, reading, crafts, painting, and Brazilian embroidery.

She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents and nephew, Nicholas Christopher Branham-Frank.

Survivors include: Older brother Richard Arb (Jill), sister Frances Arb, younger brother Frank Arb (Susan). Nephews, Brad (Alexa), Loren Lindsey), F. Andrew (Heather), Corey, Sheldon Arb, Craig and Ben (Jessica) Branham. Nieces, Christine (Brandon) Turner and Moriah (Phil) Canida, and Elizabeth (John) McAllister with 19 great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.