Rita Best

BEST, Rita Alma (Phaneuf)
June 27, 1924 - March 5, 2019

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Rita Best. Rita passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home at Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon.

Rita was predeceased by her husband Rae, siblings Bernadette O’Connell (John); Marie McKinnon (Harry); Victor (Alice) Phaneuf; Louis (Etta) Phaneuf; Ray(Marion) Phaneuf and by her grandson Dale Soroski. Rita leaves to mourn her daughters Joanne (Bill) Soroski, Louise (Fred) Noble, Marilyn (Larry) Emmerson, Terry Best and son Don (Wendy),  grandchildren and great-grandchildren Carrie (Evan Olfert) William and Etta; Brian and Derek Noble; JoLee Gillies (Hazen Hart) Caleb and Cassidy; Raeann (Scott Richardson) Mayson and Preston; Michelle Gillies (Joel Amola) Chanda, Caiden and Kyran; Bobbie Unser, Kalee (Darcey Haanen) Adalyn, Brooklyn and Arden; Jenna Unser (Scott Anderson) and Claire Best, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was born in Moose Jaw and later moved to Regina where she attended Sacred Heart High School. She met her husband Rae on a blind date which led to their marriage in 1946 when Rae returned from the war. They moved from Regina to Weyburn and later back to Regina and then to Saskatoon in the early 60’s. She spent many years volunteering as a Brownie and Girl Guide Leader and at Montgomery School library where she enjoyed helping the students and staff.

Rita was a gentle, kind and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother with a big heart. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Many wonderful memories were made at her cabin at Sunset Bay at Emma Lake. Rita will be dearly missed by all who knew her and will always remain in our hearts.

The Liturgy of the Word will take place on Saturday, March 9th at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, SK S7M 2R6. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. (www.saskcancer.ca).