Rita I. Newport, age 93, of Sweet Home, passed away July 31, 2007.

Rita was born in Hagler, Nebraska to Harry and Mary Ann (Stastny) Fish. She was one of eight children. The family moved to Bromley Ranch, Kansas, then to Culbertson, Nebraska in 1917.

Rita married James Frank Newport on July 25, 1933 and they moved to Oregon in 1939. They then moved to Sweet Home in 1971.

Rita had several jobs, including working in the shipyards as a pipe welder, head cook at Glacier National Park, nanny, restaurant owner, and restaurant manager at Portland Airport before retiring to be a homemaker.

Rita enjoyed sewing making clothes for her children and grandchildren. She also loved baking and flower gardening.

Rita is survived by children Geraldine Newport-Bitz (daughter) of Mulino, Oregon, Larry L. Newport (son) of Lebanon, Oregon, Dorothy A. Newport-Lomax (daughter) of Gresham, Oregon, Linda R. Newport-Hyke (daughter) of Portland, Oregon, Daniel M. Newport (son) of Wrangle, Alaska, Gregory M. Newport (son) of Lebanon, Oregon. 38 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Newport, December 1987; son, James Paul Newport, January 1965; and daughter, Myrna Lee Newport-Gunnels, in 1999.

A memorial service will take place at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 18, at St. Helens Catholic Church. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 815 5th Ave., Sweet Home, Oregon 97386.