Rita Ann Sheehy, 90, beloved wife and mother, died Saturday, February 18, 2012 at her home in Helena.
Born on June 25, 1921, in Kremlin, Montana, Rita and her twin, Richard, were the youngest children of John Baptiste and Mary (MacHale) Schiltz. Her father’s lumber business brought them to Billings in 1926. Rita graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1939 and from the University of Montana in 1943. She completed her education at the University of Wisconsin to qualify as a medical technician.
While at college in Missoula, Rita met John C. “Skeff” Sheehy of Butte, whom she married in Billings on September 24, 1945. They began their married life in Helena, but moved to Billings in 1947 to establish a law practice with Rita’s brother, Jack Schiltz. For the next 30 years they raised their family of 11 children while actively participating in the affairs of their church, community, and state. They moved back to Helena in 1978, and Helena was Rita’s home for the rest of her life.
Like the Bible’s valiant woman, Rita did not eat the bread of idleness. Her typical day began with lap-swimming, followed by attending Mass, baking, ironing with her prized Ironrite mangle, reading, joining the ladies for bridge, volunteering in the schools or the historical society, serving on boards, watching sports and political commentary on TV, and attending the events of her children and grandchildren. She always had her knitting with her and created countless sweaters and caps for her family at meetings, on bleachers, or in the car. In an era before running tracks and running shoes, Rita jogged in circles around the YMCA gym in her Keds. She took up volleyball in her 50’s and swam daily until she was 88.
A committed Democrat, Rita knew her mind and didn’t hesitate to buttonhole her elected representatives and give them a piece of it. Even before the new Constitution, she was passionate about our rights to clean air and clean water. In 1969 she was appointed to the Montana State Board of Health, where she was instrumental in the board’s adoption of rules for clean air in Montana. As board chairwoman she once went to court to get an order requiring the Department of Health to follow the rules established by the board.
Rita was proud that all 11 of her children earned college degrees, 23 degrees all told. When her first child left for college in 1964, Rita wrote her a letter every week. She continued that practice for 48 years, expanding her mailing list to include all her children and their spouses, all her siblings and Skeff’s and their spouses, and everyone’s children. By 2012, nearly 100 relatives eagerly awaited Rita’s Wednesday letter, filled with family news, reflections on current affairs, and memories. College-aged grandchildren especially appreciated the five-dollar bill she slipped into their envelopes. Rita closed every letter with the words, “Keep The Faith.”
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved twin Richey, her sisters Mary Schiltz Gleason Thomas and Marjorie Schiltz Lemire MacLean, and her infant granddaughter, Rita Mary Pavlish. The Schiltz family made considerable sacrifices for our country during World War II, losing Richey on Iwo Jima and Rita’s brother-in-law, James Gleason, in a plane crash at sea.
Rita is survived by her husband of 66 years, John C. “Skeff” Sheehy, and their children: Anne (Peter) Yegen of Park City; Tom Sheehy of Helena; Mary (Duane) Moe of Great Falls; Pat (Debbie) Sheehy of Billings; Kate (Dirk) Whitney of Helena; Eileen Sheehy (Bob Maxson) of Billings; Rosalie (David) Cates of Missoula; Margaret Sheehy (Ralph Johnson) of Albany, NY; Jenifer Sheehy of Billings; Martha Sheehy (Sidney Thomas) of Billings; and John Sheehy (Jill Golden) of Marlboro, VT. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Eddi Schiltz of Billings, 19 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many much-loved in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Rita’s family is deeply grateful to Monsignor Kevin O’Neill for his devout invocation of divine blessing at the anointing of the sick; to him and all the Cathedral of St. Helena staff for their thoughtful and prayerful attention to her family’s needs; to care-givers Amanda Sather, Marie Lavinder, and St. Peter’s Hospice, especially Mickie Simonson, for the patient and tender care they gave Rita for many months; and to all our friends and relatives, too many to mention but lovingly and gratefully remembered, for the prayers, comfort, and food they provided during Rita’s last days.
A Rosary service will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 p.m., Friday, February 24th at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rita’s name to your church, favorite charity, or donate a children’s book in Rita’s memory to your local library. Rita would like that. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Ali (Nistler) Poelman says
Prayers for all of the Sheehy family. Hugs too.
Angela McKenzie-Tucker says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bern and Helen McCarthy says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Judge Sheehy and the family. What a wonderful person Ms. Sheehy was and a great inspiration to live on in the hearts of her great family. God bless and keep all of you.
Bryan Foster says
Lots of memories of time at the Sheehy house… She was a great lady and everyone she touched will miss her.
Chip McKenna says
Rita was truly a special person. Her love of life and drive were infectious.
Christine Fasching Writesel says
To Martha and the Sheehy Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie Beckman says
Dear John and family,
You are in my prayers. I loved seeing Rita and you at daily Mass at the Cathedral. Rita always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed so much. Now she is at peace and with Jesus and all the Holy Angels and Saints.
Darrel & Carol Alm says
Jenifer & Shannon we are so sorry for your loss.Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this hard time.
David and Monica Paoli says
Justice Sheehy and Family:
Our most sincere condolences are with all of you for your (our) loss of such a wonderful Montanan. May her peace comfort everone’s grief.
The Paoli Family
Deborah and Terry Hanson says
Rita was one of many outstanding women of her age who truly believed in public service and the health of community.
She leaves behind a legacy in her children. And John, we know she was a partner extraordinaire.
Dorothy and Mike McCarter says
To Skeff and family,
We were so saddened to learn of Rita’s death. She was a beautiful, kind and gentle person. The world just won’t be the same without her.
Our very deepest sympathies to you all.
Elizabeth Best says
Pat and family,
We were so sorry to hear that you lost your mother. She was a remarkable woman, and raised a remarkable family.
Deepest sympathy.
Beth
Eric & Nickie Eck says
Kate & Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your mother was an amazing woman. Cherish your memories always.
Geoff Badenoch says
It’s hard to be a Montanan and not cross paths with one or more of Rita’s kids. The fact that they are all great productive citizens speak volumes about Rita as a mother. I didn’t know Rita, but as a Montanan, I thank her and her husband for the legacy they created through their children.
Gerry & Judy Kuhl says
Our heartfelt sympathy to a very special family during this time of loss. Rita, Wife, and Mother, leaves a wonderful legacy. Jeny, you and your family are in our prayers. Love, Kuhl’s
J. Dennis Sheehy says
Dear Skeff and family. We had the pleasure of attending many events with you and Rita. A great woman of grace and dignity she will be missed. Our sympathies and God Bless.
Janet Stevens says
So sorry to learn of Rita’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Skeff, Rosalie, Pat and the rest of the Sheehy family.
Best regards,
Janet Stevens
Jean Albus, Richard Gessling says
We are sending you all good thoughts as you gather to celebrate the life of your mother.
All the best to you,
Jean and Richard
Jean Bowman says
My symphathies go out to all of you. Rita was a wonderful woman, good citizen, loving wife, and amazing mother. I know all of you will miss her in many ways. Love, Jean Bowman
Jo Ridgeway says
Dear Martha, Syd and Family,
Your mother’s obituary spoke of a vibrant life well lived. She left quite a legacy. Though we only met your mom once, we can tell she shines through in you, Martha.
Jo & Gary
John and Juanita Padden says
Justice Sheehy and family,
You wrote a very loving tribute for Rita. I know Rita provided a vibrant spark in your lives. Rita’s exuberance for the “retirement” Lone Star quilt I sewed you still makes me smile. We are relieved to read many of your children live close. God Bless. John & Juanita Padden
Judith (sheehy) Nelson says
The earth has lost another amazing woman. What a full and wonderful life she lived. I remember her as a portrait of dignity, always gracious to others. Though our hearts are sad hers is full in the presence of the Lord reunited with loved ones who have gone on before her. I’m sure her brother and Tom and Mickey will waiting at the gate to welcome her home.
Karen (Antonietti) & Rich Buley says
Dear Sheehy Family, What a beautiful legacy your wife and mother leaves behind. May happy memories bring you comfort. In Rita’s honor, we’ve made a loan via kiva.org to a Ugandan mother of eight, Safina. Her goal, like Rita’s was, is to educate her children. When this loan is repaid, we will pay it forward as we look for another recipient whom Rita would be proud of. God bless.
Kathleen Trafford says
My thoughts & prayers are with all the Sheehy family.
Laura and Darrin Moser says
Anne and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. We feel as if we know your parents thanks to the wonderful stories you tell about your family! It sounds like your gift for writing or telling a good story comes from your mother. A lost art for sure. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Mary Catherine Dunphy says
I fondly remember Rita and her fantastic knitting at many Democratic picnics in Billings during the 1960s. (My parents were Jim and Mary Dunphy). Rita was a great woman and so nice. My condolences to Skeff and all the family. She has returned to the God of Love who made her but her memory will be in our hearts.
Msgr. Joseph Harrington says
Dear “Skeff” and Family: I want to extend my sympathy to you upon the death of your dear Rita. May she now rest in peace with all the Saints of God’s Heaven. I can only imagine how warmly Rita must have been welcomed into the loving arms of God our Father. I am sorry that I am away from Helena this week otherwise I would love to be there with you as you celebrate the beautiful life of Rita Sheehy. At the altar I will remember Rita and you all in my Masses this week. May Our Lord and his Blessed Mother walk with you during these days. Peace and all blessings be with you. Sincerely, Msgr. Joe Harringon.
Msgr. Joseph Harrington says
Dear “Skeff” and Family: I want to extend my sympathy to you upon the death of your dear Rita. May she now rest in peace with all the Saints of God’s Heaven. I can only imagine how warmly Rita must have been welcomed into the loving arms of God our Father. I am sorry that I am away from Helena this week otherwise I would love to be there with you as you celebrate the beautiful life of Rita Sheehy. At the altar I will remember Rita and you all in my Masses this week. May Our Lord and his Blessed Mother walk with you during these days. Peace and all blessings be with you. Sincerely, Msgr. Joe Harringon.
Patty Kessner says
To the Sheehy Family:
My deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of Rita. I enjoyed my visits with her at the clinic and listening to her telling the stories about each grandchild and all their accomplishments in school and their sporting events. I shared many laughs with her about her son Pat when I worked with him at the Court. Great memories for both of us. She was an extremely proud wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed. I hope the treasure chest of memories you have will help the family during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Rev. Richard G. Francesco says
The faith family of Saint Mary Catholic Community here in Helena offers prayers and condolences to all the loved ones of Rita Ann Sheehy on the occasion of her passing from this life.
Judge Sheehy, I was glad to meet you after Mass recently, as you were on the way to bring the Eucharist to your wife. A number of parishioners expressed their concern for Rita when I mentioned that you were here.
We will be remembering Rita in prayer at Mass.
God bless you all.
Fr. Richard Francesco
Richard Schiltz says
To Skeff and Family: Aunt Rita was always good to me through the years. My fondest memory of Rita dates back to 1968 when I returned home from Viet Nam. My folks were away at the time, and Rita and Skeff were there to meet me at the airport. I was still in my Marine uniform as I stepped off the airplane. As I approached Rita, I could see tears spring into Rita’s eyes. It took me a minute to realize that while she was genuinely glad to see me return safe and sound, my uniform undoubtedly reminded her of the last time she saw her beloved twin brother, Richey, alive, back in 1944. It didn’t matter to me. I knew I was home from the War and the Corps when she recovered, gave me a hug, and welcomed me back. I treasure the memory of that moment on the tarmac with Rita and Skeff. I was home, and sharing it with someone who cared.
Robert Kelleher Jr. says
To Skeff and the Sheehy family, I am very sorry about your loss. Rita was a great woman and a real asset to Montana. Best wishes to all of you.
Ross W. Cannon says
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sherri & John Staats says
We have such wonderful memories of attending morning mass with Rita and Skeff and praying the Rosary next time them. She always had a kind word and smile for you. She was proud of her family. She left a wonderful impression on everyone. She will be missed. We now have another Saint Rita
Skeff & Children says
Dear Skeff & all the kids who lived on Poly Dr.,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you all. May all the fond memories of her help ease the pain
After reading Rita’s obituary from the Billings Gazette, floods of memories came forth. All those years knowing her and all the family–we on Harvard and you on Poly and the well travelled alley between us. All the “tents” on the clothesline, the “plays’ on the driveway, the baton performances, and on and on. As sewers, we remember Rita cutting out clothing to be sewn for the kids without a pattern! We were impressed.
We know that you will miss her so very much, but that she also lives on each of you and your children. Her life “mattered” a great deal to many and ours were touched by her as well.
Fondly, Joan (LaRue) Smith and Mary Ann (LaRue) Pleger.
Vonnie Longo says
I am sure that the peace and comfort of Christ are yours now knowing that your mom has met her reward for so many exemplary years within her community. Sincere condolences from the Longos.