Rilla Ann Anibas

Our beloved mother, Rilla Ann (Desmul) Anibas, child of Walter and Viola Beckenbach, passed away at home on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with family by her side. Mom was the heart and soul of our family and a constant source of love, wisdom, and encouragement. We can still feel the warmth of her hugs and her infectious laughter even now. She had a smile that was so radiant, it lit up every room she entered.

From childhood through adulthood, mom shared a bond with all that was so special. She was the person we all knew we could turn to, confide in, and look to for help when we needed it. Basically, she was our best friend. When we were scared, she would soothe us, when we achieved success, she cheered louder than anyone. And when we struggled, she lifted us up with a faith in us that never wavered.

Rilla grew up in Bellingham and married Lyle Desmul in 1949. Soon after, the family grew with the arrival of Sherry, Dave, Brad, Dan, and James. Lyle passed away suddenly at an early age in 1973. She later married Ray Anibas and the family of five children grew to 10 with Ray’s five children, Karen, Myki, Charlotte, Ray Jr., and Penny.

After Ray’s passing, she then spent time with a special longtime friend, Lyle Paulsen, at Lake Tapps. After his passing she returned to Bellingham and lived there for the rest of her life.

Rilla is survived by her five children, five stepchildren, and 17 Grandchildren, Stan Jr., Shaun, Jaesa, Gabriel-Kabar, Chris, Meghan, Jamie, Lindsey, Nicole, Jacqueline, Orin, Holly, Sarah, David, Brendan, Jonathan, Michael, and numerous great and great great-grandchildren.

She is now able to reunite with her parents, Walter and Viola, her husband’s Lyle and Ray, her daughter-in-law Marilyn, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many longtime friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Assumption (2116 Cornwall Ave.) with a committal service following at Bayview Cemetery (1420 Woburn St.). Following the committal, a celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Westford Funeral Home (1301 Broadway).

Mom was patient and loving beyond words. She gave herself to all who entered her life. She will be deeply missed.

We wanted to give a special thank you to all the members of PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice for all the loving and great care that they provided for Rilla.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity and requesting Masses offered for repose of her soul.