Retha Rae was born August 20th 1938 in Spokane, WA. She was the only child of Henning and Thelma (Hampton) Rask. She attended Opportunity Elementary, North Pines Junior High and graduated from Central Valley High School. While attending Central Valley she played the clarinet for three years in the marching band. Once receiving “Best Band” honors during a Lilac Parade.
Although Retha was an only child, she spent a great deal of time with her cousins, Sandy & Terry, and their Grandma Josephine. There were always animals and gardens to care for.
After graduating from high school, Retha soon met the love of her life, Larry Zylstra. They were married August 18th 1957, and moved to Oak Harbor in 1959 where they would live and raise a family.
Larry and Retha were married for 53 years, celebrating their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries in Hawaii. Hawaii, without a doubt, was Retha’s favorite place to visit.
Retha was a Teacher’s Aide/Instructional Assistant for the Oak Harbor Public Schools system from 1969 until she retired in 2000. She touched so many lives with her caring ways and kind soul. Stories are still being shared about “Mrs. Z, the duty.”
Retha traveled with Larry and their two children to many softball tournaments where she would keep diligent score. She was a member of and held many offices in the Oak Harbor Jaycee Auxiliary Club. During which time she made many lifelong friendships. She loved spending time with friends camping, boating, bowling, dancing and watching Mariners & Seahawks games. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Retha’s goal, it seemed, was to make sure everyone was happy. She was always asking if there was something she could do to help or if anyone needed anything. She was a kind, loving, nurturing person who will be missed by so many. We are all blessed to have had Retha Rae Zylstra in our lives. Retha’s lifelong motto was “It’ll Be Just Fine!”
Retha was preceded in death by her husband Larry Zylstra. She is survived by her daughter Gwen Wood, Oak Harbor; son Gregg Zylstra (Dennis), Oak Harbor; Grandchildren Becca Anderson (Matt); their children, Marcus, Trent & Haley. Retha Plummer (Mike) and their child Cameron; Robert Wood IV (Shayla) and their child Addison, all of Oak Harbor.
She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Ron Zylstra (Greta), Jerry Zylstra (Carol) and Dennis Zylstra (Marcia) and many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville. A memorial service, open to the public, will be held at Oak Harbor’s Elks Lodge on Sunday July 17th at 3 pm. (Please, wear Aloha attire.) The family is asking that in lieu of sending flowers, a donation may be made to the Tall Elks Therapy on behalf of Retha Zylstra at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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