Rita Olga Bennett, age 88, of Helena passed away at her home on August 30, 2014. Rita was born on February 5, 1926 to Frank deLeva and Mary Sophia Torello deLeva in New Haven Connecticut.
Rita graduated from St. Rose Catholic School as valedictorian. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in languages from the University of Connecticut; she was fluent in Italian and German. She worked as the Dining Room manager at Howard Johnson for many years. Rita excelled in all that she did.
Rita married Charles C. Bennett at Bolling Air Force Base, in Washington D.C., on August 2, 1952. They traveled all over the world where they enjoyed meeting new people and making lasting friendships wherever they lived. She collected many things from their travels.
Rita had a zest for life; she was kind, caring, and loving to her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Rita is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles Bennett and her sister, Anna Marie Kontonis of Arizona.
She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Sophia deLeva.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 8th, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a burial to follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Rita’s name are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association for research at alz.org.
Jennifer Schumacher says
To my dear Aunt Rita, what great memories I will forever cherish. You were a great teacher of appreciation. Love to you on your journey.
Tracy Schumacher Kanno says
Our love for you goes with you, Aunt Rita. You were always an inspiration to us. Your stories of travel and life are treasured. Your smile would outshine the stars. Thank you for all that you gave to our lives.
Drew Schumacher says
Aunt Rita, I am so grateful that this last June I was able to make the trip to Montana to see you. It brought back memories of when I was a very young boy. Thank you for what you have given me. Love You!
Dana Hillyer says
Rita, it was a great pleasure to know you and to take care of you these last 3 1/2 years. You were a feisty, independent, and playful spirit. I will miss you and your bright smile. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a brief part of your life! Sincerely,
Dana Hillyer, APRN
Anna Marie Kontonis says
My sister Rita Bennett was my best friend for all of our lives!
I will always remember all the wonderful times we had and our loving relationship!
My thoughts and prayers to Chuck for your great loss!!
She will forever be in our hearts!!
Until we will be together again!!
Your loving sister,
Anna Marie
Lewis & Margaret Pehl says
Our thoughts and prayers to Chuck for your loss of Rita!
She was so wonderful and we were so privelaged to call her our friend!
We will always remember her smile, and great sense of humor!
She was such a classy lady and glad she loved cowboys, that’s one reason of many reasons
for her marriage to Chuck!!!
Rest in Peace Dear Rita!!
Love,
Lewis & Margaret
Susan McGown says
Dear Chuck,
I have just found this today, nearly two years late, learning of your loss of Rita. I have been thinking of you and Rita and wondered how you are. You always said, all good people are born in August. Perhaps August is when we lose good people too. ❤️
Susan Buck McGown
Deborah Halsted says
Chuck and Ana-
I just found this obituary online. I am so saddened by the loss of Rita over 2 years ago. I still have my Limoges colletion that she started me on in 1971. She was very special to the Halsted family. Hugs.
Gisela Halsted Hughes says
Dear Chuck,
Like Susan above, Debbie and I just found out about Rita’s passing 2years ago. You and Rita have always been dear to us and we considered you two our second parents. She will be greatly missed. Wish we had known. Would have tried to be there. Love and hugs! Gisela