Reta was called home October 23, 2014, after a brief illness. Her loving family was by her side at St. Peter’s Hospital. Reta was born to Wallace and Gertrude Richtmyer on June 29, 1935, in Townsend, Montana. She attended school in Townsend and graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1954. After high school she worked in Townsend and Helena.
Reta met the love of her life, James Hedberg, one night at a dance at the old Deep Creek Pavilion. As soon as she saw him, she knew one day she would marry him. Reta and Jim were married a year later on June 8, 1957, in Townsend. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Lori.
Reta worked years in the grocery business, many years at Vann’s Thriftway, until her retirement a few years ago. She loved being with her family, enjoying picnics, fishing, boating, and cooking. Family was the most important thing in her life. She will always be remembered by her family as the “camp director.”
Fourteen years ago, Reta was blessed with her only grandchild, JR. He brought her much joy and laughter and she was so very proud of him.
Reta was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Gertrude, her husband James Hedberg, a sister Donna Smith, brother-in-law Jim Smith, and sister-in-law Linda Richtmyer. She is survived by her daughters Susan (David) Spencer (Geraldine, MT) and Lori Hedberg (Helena, MT), grandson JR Spencer, her brothers Wallace, Gary (Sue) and Lary (Shelly) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the funeral home. Burial will be held at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014. Memorials may be sent to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Peter’s Hospital who cared for Reta in her final days, Chris Holt, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke for being so kind and helpful and to her brothers for all their help and in looking out for her daughters.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Reta.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 29, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday October 29, 2014
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 29, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday October 29, 2014
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dorothy McCarter says
Susan, please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. I lost mine last year, and I know how difficult it is. Take care.
Dorothy
Glen Cuchine says
Reta was always such a cheerful face behind the checkout counter. It was such a pleasure to see her, always. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this loss. God Bless.
Elaine Tuffli says
Lori and Susan, We are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything that me or Dani can do , just ask and we will be more than happy to help. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Orth says
Reta always had a smile on her face working or at home. I remember some of her great meals also.
Susan and Lori I know your hearts are broken now , just remember the good times that you had with MOM.
Steve and Wanda Arlint says
We will truly miss Rita. Steve worked with her when he was a box boy and then years later when he was a meat cutter. In 1980 we all went to a Christmas dinner at the Eagles. They were serving Cornish game hens and she called them buzzards. She had such a cheerful and wonderful personality. Please find comfort in knowing we care.
flossie says
Reta always had a smile and a warm hello to all the customers at Vann’s. Please hold all your memories close and I pray that they will comfort you in this difficult time. Prayers and thoughts are being sent to your family.
Sheri Howell says
Dear Lori and Susan and Family,
I just loved your Mom and am so glad that I had a chance to come to know her. We had so much fun when she would come into the office. I loved her sense of humor and most of all enjoyed how much she enjoyed life and the people around her. I hope that we all can live to be as feisty and fun (and strong-willed). What a woman!
Donna Mix says
Susan, Reta was such a neat lady, and whenever I ran into her it left a bright spot in my day! I saw her often, usually at Van’s, and always got an update on you and your family. We talked about blood pressure readings, and JP training, and grandkids, and when it was almost time to plant Jim’s pansies, and we always exchanged hugs.
I was out of town for several days beginning the morning of 10/23; I learned of Reta’s death last night when I was trying to catch up on news. I’d like to have been at her memorial service. Since I wasn’t, consider yourself hugged. It will help to remember that your mom will be missed by many, many people.