Rita Richard passed away late Tuesday evening March 13th 2012. She resided next door to her only living sibling, Margaret Miller at Rosetta Assisted Living. Rita crossed over in the company of her loving sister and nieces Berta and Rita Nason. There is a beauty in simplicity and Rita Richard was our family’s example of this splendor for a blessed ninety-two years. Grateful for even the simplest things, Rita possessed a rare gift; she regarded life an abundant reward, a place to practice the art of piety. She loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church.
Born February 8th, 1920 in Belt Montana, this woman lived the modest life of a homesteader. The family was comprised of loving parents, Romeo and Juliette, and seven siblings: Phillip Richard, Jane Richard, Bernadette Cheeney, Garmaine Bailly, Rose Kerscher, Margaret Miller and Lawrence Richard (Verda). They worked a farm twenty eight miles south of Wolf Point.
Rita attended Longview Grade School in Riverside, Montana accumulating an eighth grade education. Devoted to her Catholic faith, she began her working career at the Sisters of Charity in Wolf Point, Montana as a Cook.
She continued to serve the Sisters of Charity in Deer Lodge Montana until moving to Helena where she shared her culinary skills at Carroll College. Finally, the last chapter or her working days was spent as a housekeeper for Shodair Children’s Hospital.
A Rosary vigil will be held at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., in Helena on Sunday March 18th at 5:00 P.M. Her funeral mass will be held at Saint Mary Catholic Church at 12:10 P.M. on Monday the 19th of March, followed by a reception. Rita will be interned at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Riverside, Montana.
Memorial donations can be made to Rosetta Assisted Living, 2530 Wildwood Ln., Helena, MT 59601 or Frontier Home Health Care and Hospice, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Rita, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Bonnie LaFountaine says
It was a pleasure to know such a sweet gentle spirit. We will miss her beautiful smile.
Elizabeth M. Allen says
May Rita rest in peace and take joy in her new journey. Rita remains loved by many people; she will be carried in their hearts forever.
Linda Moats says
I will miss you Aunt Rita, but I know you have been carried on angel’s wings to be with your Father and your family that is waiting for you in heaven.
Thank you for being a special part of my childhood and my life.
Vaughn Kauffman says
Dear Margaret, Rita and Berta, and the rest of the clan-I know how much Aunt Rita was a part of your life. I’m holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
love you
Vaughh
Tracy Johnson says
Aunt Rita was one of the holiest women I have ever known.When she wasn’t busy with her hands, she was praying! I enjoyed her company when I lived in Helena, and I have many fond memories of her humor; she was funny with out knowing she was funny. I never heard an unkind word come from her mouth. I wish I could be more like her!