Rita Mae Belmore Hedman DeZoete, 92, of Heppner, Oregon, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Clovernook Adult Family Home in Richland, Washington.

Rita was born on September 12, 1932, in Marquette, Michigan, the daughter of Albert (Happy) Belmore and Mae Berry Belmore. Rita was raised in Marquette and attended schools there, graduating from Graveraet High School in Marquette in 1950. After graduation she worked as a telephone operator.

Rita married Arnie G. Hedman on March 24, 1951 in Marquette, Michigan. Rita and Arnie were married for just short of 48 years, until his death on March 15of 1999. Rita and Arnie had six children together: Mike, Steve, Jon, Dale, Dee, and Tim. Rita later married Leo DeZoete on June 22, 2002. Rita and Leo were married for 14 years, until his death March 17, 2017.

Rita and Arnie owned and operated Case Furniture and Floorcovering in Heppner from 1963 until 1990. Rita also drove a school bus for many years and served as the Veteran's Service Officer for Morrow County.

Rita was active in the community, serving on various committees for the City of Heppner and elected to the Heppner City Council for four years. She was also extremely active in the American Legion Auxiliary and served in leadership positions on both a local and regional level.

Rita was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Heppner. She sang with the church choir for many years and spent too many hours to count volunteering and serving on church committees.

Rita honored veterans with Poppy Sales every year, loved her monthly bridge night, and relished the annual Christmas church choir Tom and Jerry party.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Heppner United Methodist Church with a reception to follow.  All are welcome to attend.

A private graveside service will be held at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery.

Remaining to cherish Rita's memory are sons Jon (Kathy), Dale (Bobbette), and Tim (Staci); daughter Dee (Bob); 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Preceding Rita in death are her husbands Arnie and Leo; and sons Mike and Steve.

Memorial donations in Rita's memory may be directed to Willow Creek Terrace. Envelopes are available and may be sent to Sweeney Payton Mortuary in care of arrangements.

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