Arvene A. Rinker

Arvene A. Rinker of Waterville, WA entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, after reaching 90. He passed peacefully and without pain in the arms of family. Arvene was born on December 2, 1934, in Douglas, WA to Amy Elizabeth Coordes Rinker and Clarence "OC" Rinker.The last of seven children. Arvene attended Waterville HS, where he excelled at multiple sports but was most fond of basketball. He graduated in 1953 after volunteering for the United States Navy Reserves his senior year. He proudly served from 1953 to 1961. Arvene met the love of his life, Gwennyth Ann Miller and married her on February 13, 1954. The young couple settled in Douglas and Arvene took the reins of his family's humble wheat farm. Soon, they were blessed with three children. Shari (1957), Jeff (1959) and Cindy (1961). With hard work, determination, sacrifice and a lot of prayer, Rinker Farms prospered and continued to grow until the day that Arvene retired. He was extremely proud to be a wheat farmer. Through the years, he volunteered time to organizations that were special to him. He served on the Board of Directors for the Central Washington Grain Growers for over two decades. He also served on the North Central Washington Fair board and Douglas County Memorial Hospital and was a member of United Lutheran Church and council. In the summer of 2008, after over 50 years of farming, Arvene cut his last field of wheat. After a long career, he was fortunate enough to enjoy his retirement with his sweetheart by his side. He loved golf and took advantage of the Arizona weather for many years. The couple had a winter residence in Welton where they created countless friendships and memories. With unwavering faith, Arvene served the Lord. He was a loving patriarch to his family and an exceptional friend to many. He will be forever missed. He is preceded in death by both parents, three brothers, three sisters and two children, Jeff and Shari. Arvene is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gwen; daughter, Cindy (Craig) Terry of Casa Grande, AZ; granddaughters, Stephanie (Sean) Johanson of Wenatchee, WA and Swayze (Arron) Carlile of Everett, WA; grandsons, Jeff Bultena of Pasco, WA, Luke (Maria) Bultena of Pasco, WA, Dylan (Jordan) Rinker of Lewiston, ID, Dustin (Shelby) Rinker of Helena, MT; and son-in-law, Jon Brady of Pasco, WA; sixteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Please join us to celebrate and honor the life of Arvene on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the United Lutheran Church in Waterville at 11. Luncheon to follow the service. Please express your thoughts and memories at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Arvene A. Rinker

December 2, 1934 - March 12, 2025