Rita Lee

Rita Lee passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Care Partners Solace Center, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.

A native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, she was a daughter of the late Hosea Eugene Watford and Barbara JoAnn Cowart Watford. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William “Buddy” Watford.

Rita took pride in being a mother and grandmother, always putting her family before herself.

She was very creative, enjoyed making jewelry to share with her family, and had a passion for antiques. Her hobbies included reading Science Fiction and listening to music. Rita also loved nature, whether spending time in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina or being at the beach. She was always caring and nurturing while also being a strong, independent person; a sweet, stubborn rebel, and a proud atheist, liberal, democrat, lesbian.

Those left to cherish her memory are her wife of 10 years, Bonnie Strum, whom she met and fell in love with in 2006; sons: Christopher Eugene Lee and wife Laura, and Jesse William Lee and wife Kristine; step-children, Charles and Phyllis Strum; grandson, Timothy Roland Lee; sister, Mary Lynn MacFarlane and husband Jeff; niece, Jenna MacFarlane; nephew, Ryan MacFarlane; and beloved cat, Benji, and dog, Chip who was her napping buddy.

A time of gathering will be held to remember Rita from 5 until 7 pm on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Anders-Rice Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Blue Ridge Pride, PO Box 2044, Asheville NC 28802 or online at blueridgepride.org/donate

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Rita’s family.