Myra “June” Rector passed away on December 19, 2014 in Richland, Washington after 96 years of beautiful life. She was born July 7, 1918 to William E. and Amanda L. Rector in Sedalia, Missouri.

 We pause to give her thanks not for just the good memories, but for those eighty years of constant, dependable, and overflowing supply of knowing, that “Mother is on Duty.” June prided herself in her many roles, which included Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Gardener, Nurturer, Listener, Artist, Cake Decorator, Homemaker, and Poet.

 As a child during the depression, June and her sister Marge woke early to deliver bread and rolls before school that their Mother baked for regular customers. June graduated from Smith Cotton High School and Central Business College in Sedalia, which later landed her Secretary positions at Armour and Company, and the Farm Security Administration.  In her hometown, she was introduced to her future husband, John, because they had the same last name.  They were married on February 20, 1938, a day when there was 20 inches of snow in Sedalia.  The groom’s family managed to drive their Model T from Urbana, Illinois to attend.

 In the boom of the Hanford era, John was relocated to his new position, leaving June and then three children, behind to wait for family housing to become available.

In October of 1944, the family drove across the country to their new A House home in Richland, Washington. Coming from the lush and architecturally ornate Sedalia, Missouri, this sandbox was a bit of a shock to her. 

 June planted her roots and raised her family, along with her vegetable and flower gardens.  As her family grew, so did her gardening career.  As a Tri Cities Rose Society member, June was known as a fierce competitor and truly “one to beat.” It was often said that there was no use in entering any category that June Rector was in. 

June not only succeeded in flowers, but simply became a master at anything she put her mind to. She was an active member of Chapter FX-P.E.O, Garden Clubs, Bridge Club, and a Rotary Ann.  She has been a member of Central Church since there were only two churches in town.  There, she taught Sunday school with coloring and activity sheet copies she carefully produced on a Hectograph.  As a perennial PTA room parent, she enjoyed baking dozens of goodies for school occasions.  June and John shared a passion for traveling and visited all 50 states, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Europe, Mexico, and Canada.

 She always accepted her victories with the most polite humility.  And it wasn’t that she acted embarrassed…it was that she truly was embarrassed…like in the old days when the boys tried to mow, or hang something out on the clothesline, on a Sunday.

 Behind her perfectly pressed blouse and pearls, June was passionate about riding motorcycles and rooting for the Mariners, especially Edgar Martinez.

 June is survived by her pride and joy, her family.  Daughters Ann Williams (John) of Benton City and Kristi Gagnon (Bruce) of West Richland;  sons Dennis Rector (Loretta Greene) of Kent and Seattle; Robert Rector (Judy) of Leavenworth, WA and Steve Rector (Barbara) of Auburn, WA.  Following her children come 13 Grandchildren, 26 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. 

 She is now happily reunited with her husband of 67 years, John H. Rector, her parents, her sister, Marge Rector, her first born infant Son, Jimmy Wayne Rector and dear friends she made throughout her life.

 We are sure that her intake interview with St. Peter went well, as expected, but we will miss her terribly. 

 Our family wishes to thank those that have cared for June in recent years.  She appreciated you all.

 Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Events at Sunset in Richland.  Those wishing to honor June’s memory may contribute to a charity of their choice.