Ritha Mae Wilcox Obituary (1954 - 2021)

Ritha Mae Wilcox, 66, died of COVID related complications October 28, 2021. Ritha, a long-time resident of Baker City and alumni of Baker High School, was known and loved by many. Ritha's life was not about her work, but she did have a passion for helping victims and survivors of domestic violence and helped contribute to the success of MayDay in the 90s. Her greatest love and passion though were for her friends and family. Ritha met and married the love of her life, Carl Wilcox, in high school. She and Carl enjoyed life and adventure with their daughter Sasha, living in Texas, California, and the Willamette Valley before returning to Baker City. Following Carl's death, Ritha met her long-time partner, Tom Eaton. The birth of her granddaughter Morgan was one of the greatest joys of Ritha's life, and Morgan shared that love for her grandmother, remaining by her side to the end. Ritha was a central factor in her birth family of five sisters and a brother, as well as their children. She and her sisters were known for being close, for their laughter, and their love. They were bound inextricably, and as an older sister, Ritha was a beautiful, fun, important part of their childhood and adulthood, and her presence will be greatly missed every day. Ritha was preceded in death by her father Paul Estabrooks, husband Carl Wilcox, long-time partner Tom Eaton and nephew Richard Finch. She is survived by her daughter Sasha Gazley, son-in-law Leonard Gazley, granddaughters Morgan Gazley and Ashlyn Reynolds and her four children Wyatt, Olivia, Damien, and Darrell, Mother Irene Estabrooks, sisters; Winnie Dodge, Stella Estabrooks, Elizabeth Estabrooks, Theresa Johnson, Kelly Finch, and brother Michael Estabrooks, as well as 22 nieces and nephews and 43 great nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Oregon 97814.