Ryta Lucy Fofanoff, 84, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away peacefully Feb. 22, 2025, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Hayden with family by her side.

Ryta was born Oct. 7, 1940, to Harvey and Annette St. Pierre in Danbury, Conn. She graduated from Danbury High School and moved to Lawrence, Mass., where she met and married U.S. Army veteran Vladimir “Foff” Fofanoff in 1966.

Together, the two were stationed at various posts in West Germany, where their first son, David, was born (1966). Their second son, Stephen, was born in Alabama (1971). After “Foff’s” retirement from the Army, Ryta’s family moved to California, where she was a devoted mother and wife and worked in bookkeeping. They moved to Hayden to spend more time with their only grandchild, Aleena.

Ryta and Foff were devout Catholics who served many years as Eucharistic ministers, soup kitchen volunteers, as well as commissioning liturgical art for St. Rose of Lima and St. Peter Claver Churches in Simi Valley, Calif., and St. Pius X Church in Coeur d'Alene.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Foff, her parents, and brother Roger St. Pierre. She is survived by her two sons and their families: David Fofanoff of Hayden, Idaho; his spouse, Deanna, and their daughter, Aleena; Stephen Fofanoff of Port Angeles, Wash.; and his spouse, Christopher Warnock.

A memorial mass is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Pius X Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene, followed by interment in the church’s columbarium. All who know the Fofanoff family or share her faith are welcome to attend and celebrate Ryta’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, which lovingly cared for Ryta in her final days.

Please visit Ryta's online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.