Rita Nigg, age 83 passed peacefully, June 5, 2016 at North Valley Extended Care in Tonasket, surrounded by her family.

Rita May Patricia Pickle was born on January 15, 1933, in Oroville, Washington, to parents Warren and Elizabeth Pickle.

Rita attended Oroville High School. At the young age of 18, on Nov. 8, 1951 she married the love of her life, Ray Nigg. They lived in the Oroville area where Rita raised their four children and maintained the family home. She worked alongside her husband in the family-owned apple orchard business and other adventurous endeavors. They spent their retirement summers fishing and camping with their grandsons. In the winter months they enjoyed traveling to Yellowstone National Park, Arizona and other states. They were married 42 years before Ray’s passing.

In 1994, Rita married Pastor Gareth Birch. Together they enjoyed 14 years of marriage.

Rita will forever be known for her love of fashion, shopping and her flamboyant hairstyle. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Oroville.

Rita is survived by her son Michael (Georgine) Nigg, daughters Susan Nigg and Shelle Noel; grandsons Christopher (Kimberly) Noel, Jared Noel and Aaron (Tiffany) Lockwood; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, including Joe and Barbara Shaw of Oroville.

Rita was preceded in death by her husbands Raymond Nigg and Gareth Birch, one son Gregory Nigg, her parents, five sisters and three brothers.

A memorial service will be performed by Pastor Tony Rivera and held on Sunday, July 3rd at 11 a.m., at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 922 Main St, Oroville. There will be a reception following the service.