Rita Margaret Wolford

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Wolford, Rita Margaret (Grismer) 80, of Golden Valley, died Friday, April 18, at North Memorial Hospital, Robbinsdale. She was born Jan. 6, 1934, in Belgrade, Minn., daughter of Martin and Gladyce Bickford Grismer. On Oct. 11, 1980, she married Charles Wolford in Bloomington, Minn. Rita graduated from Paynesville High School, received her bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University and attained her master's degree in educational psychology in 1964. Before retiring, she served as the administrator for all school-based special education programs across the Minneapolis Public School District. Rita was instrumental in changing the educational delivery systems for students with disabilities from a segregated setting to an integrated setting with typical students whenever possible. Rita was a strong advocate for students with disabilities and their families. Rita loved traveling, spending time up north and taking long car rides. She was a dedicated Gophers fan. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Debra Wolford and grandson, Dean Walen of Duluth; three loving nieces and a nephew; six great nieces and nephews; three great-great nephews; and many devoted friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; a brother, Lawrence Grismer; and two sisters, Wanda Harper and Velora Wright. A visitation will be held at Washburn- McReavy Funeral Chapels, 5000 W. 50th St., Edina, at 10 AM Wednesday. The funeral will follow at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Fort Snelling after a luncheon. Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on April 20, 2014