Rita Joan Frey
Rita Frey was the youngest of seven children and a loving wife and mother. She leaves behind a family who adored her.
Rita Joan Frey (Sternhagen), 89, passed away peacefully Nov. 22, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Nov. 7, 1936, in Glasgow, Mont., 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 Feb. 8, 1954, Rita married Gary Eugene Frey in Spokane, Wash. 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 of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 Dale Road, Moses Lake, Wash. Time TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Parkinson’s research or support organizations in her honor.