Rita Joan Frey

Rita Joan Frey (Sternhagen), aged 89, passed away peacefully on November 22,

surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 7, 1936, in Glasgow, Montana, she

was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph P. Sternhagen and Mary Catherine

Sternhagen (Carignan). Rita lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and quiet

Strength.

Early Life and Family

Rita’s journey began in the small town of Glasgow, where she grew up surrounded by

the vast landscapes of Montana. She was the youngest of seven children, growing up in

a close-knit family.

Marriage and Family Life

On February 8, 1954, Rita married Gary Eugene Frey in Spokane, Washington. Gary

was a celebrated wrestling coach and English instructor. Together, they moved their

family to Hoquiam and Aberdeen, Washington, where they raised six children: Debbra

Anne, Catherine Joan, Gary Francis, Stacey Therese, Kyle Marc, and Joseph Peter.

Passions and Talents

Rita was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved interior design and owned a

home décor and bath shop – named Suite One - for several years. She was an avid

gardener, always taking great pride in a beautiful yard, and won “Best Flower” for her

prize hibiscus at the Grant County Fair in 2023, 2024 and 2025! She was a talented

seamstress, teaching that gift to some of her children, and it was important to her to

always dress beautifully. Her artistic spirit extended to the stage, where she was active

in several musicals and theater productions with the Driftwood Players, as well as

helping to raise money for Grays Harbor Hospital through many songs and solos with

the Raindrops Review. Known for her beautiful singing voice, she was a musical

influence on all her children and grandchildren. 

Faith and Community

A devout and active member of her local Catholic church, Rita also sang in the choir,

sharing her gift of music with her community.

Legacy

Rita passed away in Moses Lake, Washington, after a long battle with Parkinson’s

disease. Nonetheless, Rita left behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and the enduring

power of hope. She is survived by her six children, seven grandchildren (Jaime Lynn,

Shayne Mitchell, Aaron Kieth, Donald Joseph, Paige Catherine, Christopher Marc, and

Camden Joseph), and five great-grandchildren (Jasper Mckenzie Cole, Teiley Miel Joy,

Quinleigh Madigan Hope, Samarah Rose, and Chelsea Marie).

A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, April 24, 2026 at Our Lady Fatima Catholic Church. 200 Dale Rd, Moses Lake, Wa 98837 Time TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Parkinson’s research or support organizations in her honor.

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