Rayetta Wilson

KEIZER - KEIZER - Rayetta (Horting) Wilson passed away September 17, 2016 in Keizer, Oregon at the age of 90 from complications of end-stage dementia. Because of her husband's ongoing care and support, Rayetta was able to enjoy life at home before spending the last 15 months at The Arbor at Avamere Court, a memory care facility in Keizer, where the staff enjoyed her warm smile and habit of always wanting to clean and organize.
Rayetta was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on December 21, 1925, to Ray and Hazel Horting. After multiple moves in search of better farms, the Hortings settled in Baker City, Oregon. Rayetta graduated from Pine Valley High School in Halfway, Oregon. While in high school in 1941, Rayetta was selected as one of the rodeo princesses at the Baker County Fair in Halfway, Oregon.
After graduation, Rayetta worked for Idaho Power and the U.S. Bank in Halfway. Shortly after moving to Salem in 1969, Rayetta worked at the finance department for the City of Salem, retiring in 1989. Rayetta and her husband owned and operated a 10-acre marionberry farm near Brooks, Oregon, from 1976-1996. After selling the farm, they moved to McNary Estates, where they enjoyed a quiet neighborhood, a beautiful yard, and 150 acres McNary Golf Course they didn't have to farm.
Rayetta and Galen, her husband of 40 years, fully enjoyed the simpler things in life and spent each day together celebrating the ordinary, from short rides through the countryside, county fairs, and festivals to occasional trips to the Oregon coast. They found their greatest satisfaction in family gatherings and dinners and always looked forward to the next holiday.
Rayetta always cooked from scratch, baking a cake or a pan of brownies every day of the week. Rayetta could never turn down an offer of ice cream, even during her last few months at the memory care center.
Rayetta was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Hazel Horting, first husband Phil, and sister Helen. Rayetta is survived by her husband, Galen Wilson of Keizer, Oregon; daughters Linda Helvie of Turner; Rhonda Hansen of Keizer; five grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
The family offers its sincere gratitude to the staff at The Arbor at Avamere Court for their genuine, personal care for Rayetta and for their warm, daily support for her husband, Galen. A brief graveside service will be held at Restlawn Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 21st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Oregon Chapter, 1650 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland, OR 97209.