Quechee, Vt. —
Rheta was born in Westminster, Vt., on Feb. 7, 1920, the daughter of Rueben Kecy and Aileen Fleming Kecy Reney, stepfather Eben Reney. She attended school in Grantham and Newport, N.H. She married Maurice Crate on Feb. 21, 1939. Rheta and Maurice lived in Lebanon, N.H., where they raised their five children, Ann Jane Jackson, South Pasadena, Alannah Rand, Duxbury, Mass., Gerry Crate (Claire) WRJct., Vt., and Joseph Crate (Laura), Meriden, N.H.
Rheta’s family was her main interest. She loved to cook (she made many wedding cakes), was an avid reader. She enjoyed quilting, weaving, crocheting and knitting. She was involved with VFW Women’s Auxiliary for many years. She loved her involvement with local and national politics especially during election years. She served as a supervisor on Lebanon’s checklist for many years. Rheta enjoyed being a part of the Red Hat group and their many outings.
She loved traveling, visiting Canada, Mexico, Ireland and many countries in Europe as well as traveling extensively here in the United States. She especially enjoyed being a snowbird six months each year in California.
She was always interested in her eight grandchildren’s activities and functions, Hilary Perez, Brent, Lance and Shawn Ward, John and Glen Rand, Aileen Zec and Shate Crate. She also had 11 great-grandchildren: Caroline Rand, Elizabeth and Brian Zec, Miguel and Caileen Perez, Aidan and Zoe Ward, Chessy and Eleanor Ward, Hudson Ward and Lance Crate. Rhete is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as dear friends who considered her like a second mother.
She was predeceased by her husband Maurice, daughter Sally Ward, grandson Jay Crate and brother Lawrence Reney.
A service and reception will be held at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bugbee Senior Center, 262 N. Main Street, WRJct., Vt., or to a charity of one’s choice.