Rita Mary Agnes Chott Plachta

01/05/1916 — 04/22/2013

From Spokane, WA, US | Born in St. Louis, MO

Rita Mary Agnes Chott Plachta

Rita Mary Agnes Chott Plachta 1916 - 2013

Rita Mary Chott was born in Saint Louis, MO on January 5, 1916 to Ferdinand and Mary Ellen Koupal Chott. Although he had studied engineering, Rita's father preferred to work outdoors, and so the young family moved to a farm in East Texas. Due to a lack of water for irrigation, the family returned to St. Louis, where Rita's infant brother, Robert, nearly died from the flu during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The lure of good farmland with available water soon led the family to Yakima, WA, where they established orchards on land west of the city. When Rita started grade school at Tieton View Elementary, she spoke Bohemian Czech and a bit of Spanish and English, but quickly learned English and lost her Bohemian, since her parents decided that it would be better for their children if they all spoke English at home. Remarkably, Rita retained a few memories of her young childhood in Texas and Missouri, as well as many fond memories of growing up on the Yakima farm with her parents and seven siblings.

After Rita graduated from high school, she entered St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Yakima, and then attended the School of Nursing at Seattle College now Seattle University, where she earned a degree and became a Registered Nurse RN. While at Seattle College, Rita met a fellow student, Alfred Robert Joseph Plachta, and they were married in a double-wedding ceremony, together with her brother Vincent and Daphne Robel, on December 30, 1942. Rita and Al, who had studied radio broadcasting at Cornish School now Cornish College of the Arts, moved to San Francisco for a short time, where their daughter Ellen was born. They returned to Yakima, and while there Kathryn and August were born. Al then worked in Helena, MT, and a second son, Robert, joined the family. Soon after moving to Butte, Mt, Rita gave birth to Marita, followed by Francis, Cecile, Gerald, Fredric, Agnes, and Mary, for a total of eleven children. The family moved to Spokane, WA in 1960, and to Richland, WA in 1964. Rita relished the mild climate of Richland, her "A-House" home that was within walking distance of the kid's schools, Christ the King Catholic Church, and Kadlec Hospital now Kadlec Regional Medical Center, and the lush yard and gardens that she and Al propagated at their home. She never wasted food or water, and took care of the natural resources God put on this earth. She was a life-long learner, and taught her children the value of education, helping them with homework when needed, and encouraging self-education by frequently responding to their questions with "go look it up". She had a great sense of humor, tremendous agility, and kept physically active her entire life. Rita moved to Spokane in early 2012 to live with her daughter, Agnes, and Agnes' husband, Richard. She enjoyed the loving care and delightful company provided by them, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Rita died in Spokane on April 22, 2013, at the age of 97.

Rita worked as an RN throughout her married life, at St. Elizabeth's in Yakima, St. James Hospital in Butte, Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, and Kadlec in Richland. Rita was always kind and patient, caring and loving, gentle and welcoming in all that she said and did. Rita was always thinking of others; those she touched in her daily life, and those less fortunate than herself. She lived her beliefs, and she believed in justice, peace, and the fundamental dignity of all human beings. Thus she tended to the sick, comforted the suffering, fed the hungry, and worked for peace.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary, her stepmother Cecelia Palubiak Chott, her brothers: Rob, Vince, Ferd, Joe, and John Hans Chott, her sister Mary Chott Mahre, her husband Al, her daughter Cecile Plachta Carter Steve, and her grandson Dan Jon Plachta. She is survived by her sister Anna Chott Conner of Yakima, daughters: Ellen Homan, Kathy Wehrly, Mur Lih CB, Agnes Durkin Richard, and Mary Plachta Edd Bunch; her sons: Gus Cathy, Bob Nancy Carlson-Gotts, Frank, Gerry, and Fred; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland at noon on Saturday, May 11, followed by a luncheon reception at the Church's Gathering Space. Graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 3:30 pm, May 11. If you wish to make a donation in Rita's name, please donate to Christ the King Church or School, or World Citizens for Peace http://wcpeace.org/home.htm.

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Rita Mary Agnes Chott Plachta

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  • Our family had the privilege of knowing both of your parents. My yard is filled with Iris and Oriental Poppies – two of their favorite flowers. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

    Doris Ayres
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, USA
  • while i did not have a lot of contact with aunt rita and uncle al, the time i visited yakima as a young woman left me with wonderful memories of a huge loving family!!! It amazed me how she and uncle al sat with 2 groups of kids during lunch, using up loaves and loaves of bread, etc……i had only one brother and we always knew who was home. aunt rita and uncle al took the “hoards” in their stride. thank you aunt rita for always remembering your brother rob’s child, roberta chott rens

    roberta chott rens
    November 4, 2014
    ranger, GA, united, states
  • I have many memories of dear Rita, my first cousin, going back many years. I remember when she and Uncle Fred stopped by our home in Aurora, Nebraska many times for visits in the early 1940’s. They were usually on their way to Saint Louis visiting relatives there. I spent many happy times with Rita and Al through the years. They were a great couple and raised a wonderful family. The thing I remember most about Rita was her gentle welcoming smile. She was a great lady and will be missed. My condolesences to all the family on your loss.

    Emil and Joan Kluck
    November 4, 2014
    Everett, WA, USA
  • I am so rich with memories of Aunt Rita and Uncle Al. Always welcoming and warm with a quick wit and something from the garden. What a wonderful example she set for all who came in contact with her. Never an enemy, only friends.

    Love to you all, Cousin John

    John & Terri Chott
    November 4, 2014
    Yakima, WA
  • Remembering Auntie Rita with exceptional respect, as she deserved. Words cannot express….God blesses her soul and her family.

    Kathi Conner
    November 4, 2014
    Mesa, AZ
  • Dear Frenlatives,

    It is sad to have Rita gone from this world, but she has traveled life’s highway a long way and passed through much beautiful scenery and many changes while on that one way road. She had the opportunity to see her grand children grow into adults and great grand children. Few people have that opportunity. Margaret and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have known her. We will miss her when we visit the north west and the great reunion. Our thoughts will be of Rita and all of you on the eleventh of May. We hope to see all of you this summer. Love; Virgil and Margaret

    Virgil & Margaret Chott
    November 4, 2014
    Fenton, MO, United, States
  • Dearest Plachta Family,

    Please accept our most sincerest sympathies for the passing of your beloved Mother and our very dear and most special Aunt Rita. She was the kindest and sweetest person that we had the privilege of knowing. She leaves behind a most amazing and beautiful legacy in each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed. May time be a kind friend and may you all be comforted by each other and the flood of memories that you will experience in these days to come. We are sad that we are unable to be there Saturday, but we are with you in mind and in spirit. Take good care of each other.

    With all of our love & respect for an amazing woman and HUGS to you all!

    Terri Ann & Dan Chott
    November 4, 2014
    Newport, WA
  • Our family had the privilege of knowing both of your parents. My yard is filled with Iris and Oriental Poppies – two of their favorite flowers. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

    Doris Ayres
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, USA
  • while i did not have a lot of contact with aunt rita and uncle al, the time i visited yakima as a young woman left me with wonderful memories of a huge loving family!!! It amazed me how she and uncle al sat with 2 groups of kids during lunch, using up loaves and loaves of bread, etc……i had only one brother and we always knew who was home. aunt rita and uncle al took the “hoards” in their stride. thank you aunt rita for always remembering your brother rob’s child, roberta chott rens

    roberta chott rens
    November 4, 2014
    ranger, GA, united, states
  • I have many memories of dear Rita, my first cousin, going back many years. I remember when she and Uncle Fred stopped by our home in Aurora, Nebraska many times for visits in the early 1940’s. They were usually on their way to Saint Louis visiting relatives there. I spent many happy times with Rita and Al through the years. They were a great couple and raised a wonderful family. The thing I remember most about Rita was her gentle welcoming smile. She was a great lady and will be missed. My condolesences to all the family on your loss.

    Emil and Joan Kluck
    November 4, 2014
    Everett, WA, USA
  • I am so rich with memories of Aunt Rita and Uncle Al. Always welcoming and warm with a quick wit and something from the garden. What a wonderful example she set for all who came in contact with her. Never an enemy, only friends.

    Love to you all, Cousin John

    John & Terri Chott
    November 4, 2014
    Yakima, WA
  • Remembering Auntie Rita with exceptional respect, as she deserved. Words cannot express….God blesses her soul and her family.

    Kathi Conner
    November 4, 2014
    Mesa, AZ
  • Dear Frenlatives,

    It is sad to have Rita gone from this world, but she has traveled life’s highway a long way and passed through much beautiful scenery and many changes while on that one way road. She had the opportunity to see her grand children grow into adults and great grand children. Few people have that opportunity. Margaret and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have known her. We will miss her when we visit the north west and the great reunion. Our thoughts will be of Rita and all of you on the eleventh of May. We hope to see all of you this summer. Love; Virgil and Margaret

    Virgil & Margaret Chott
    November 4, 2014
    Fenton, MO, United, States
  • Dearest Plachta Family,

    Please accept our most sincerest sympathies for the passing of your beloved Mother and our very dear and most special Aunt Rita. She was the kindest and sweetest person that we had the privilege of knowing. She leaves behind a most amazing and beautiful legacy in each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed. May time be a kind friend and may you all be comforted by each other and the flood of memories that you will experience in these days to come. We are sad that we are unable to be there Saturday, but we are with you in mind and in spirit. Take good care of each other.

    With all of our love & respect for an amazing woman and HUGS to you all!

    Terri Ann & Dan Chott
    November 4, 2014
    Newport, WA
  • Marita, Ela and I know how very much you cared for your mom and tried to help her in every way you could. We also know that she was a real participant in issues of social justice and it was delightful to share these events of witness with her. I am glad that Ela and I knew her over many years, and we give our love and comfort to you and your brothers and sisters.-Kim

    Kim Esterberg
    November 4, 2014
    Bainbridge, Island, WA, USA
  • I remember Aunt Rita as always pleasant, positive and gracious. She taught by example and those in her presence seem to know to “shut up and quit your whining.” She has many to carry on that legacy. God bless to all.

    nephew,

    Jim Conner
    November 4, 2014
    Apache, Junction, AZ, USA
  • For all the Plachta family, I send my sympathy to each of you in the loss of your dear mother. She has made the world a nicer place. Keep your happy memories alive. The memories will keep her alive in your hearts. If there are angels on earth, she is one of them. Thank you, God, for giving her to us; now keep her in your care. Rest in Peace, Rita. God bless you all.

    Baby Sister Anne
    November 4, 2014
    Yakima, WA, USA
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