Rita Faye Wiltgen

Rita Faye Wiltgen, 88, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016 at The Springs in Missoula, MT.
Mrs. Wiltgen was born July 30, 1928 in Lewistown, MT to Wesley F. and Marguerite C. (Benjamin) Butler. She lived most of her childhood near Hilger and Plum Creek, MT.
At 13 years of age, Rita moved to an apartment in Lewistown to attend school and eventually graduate from Lewistown High school. She shopped and cooked for herself, once splurging on a steak. Her father paid her bills but reprimanded her for the extravagance.
After high school, Rita worked at Eddy Bakery where she would eventually meet Pete Wiltgen, also from Lewistown. Pete wanted to know where Rita lived but she would not tell him, so he followed her home…that plan worked well and they were married on October 4, 1947.
Together they raised 3 children, Dan, Hal, and Diane. In 1963, they left Lewistown, lived a short time in Bozeman before finally settling down in Missoula, where they became longtime members of First Lutheran Church. Rita worked for Lutheran Social Services in the adoption services branch as the Office Manager.
Upon retirement, Rita and Pete moved to Stevensville where they spent many wonderful years. They restored a 1936 Airflow DeSoto and entertained bridal couples and Dignitaries. They spent many hours with the Hellgate Car Club.
In Retirement, Rita loved dolls and decorating and the home in Stevensville was such a pleasure to visit. But always in life, Rita loved telling stories of her childhood on Plum Creek and of her brothers and their many escapades, and she always had a full cookie jar for kids and their friends.
Rita was the ultimate house keeper and she absolutely loved to iron.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete, her parents; two brothers, Wesley Jr. and Glen Butler; and daughter-in-law, Deb Wiltgen.
She is survived by her children, Dan (Cathy) of Absarokee, MT, Hal Wiltgen and Diane Alden, both of Missoula; Grandchildren, Greg Parrow (Meagan) of Coast Guard Base, Duluth, MN, Daniel Rusoff, Justine Evans, and Chad Wiltgen, all of Missoula; great-grandson, Jack Parrow; brother, Duane “Buck” Butler (Mary) of Lewistown, and many special nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Avenue West on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Partners in Home Care Health and Hospice 2687 Palmer St. Suite B Missoula, Mt 59808, or a charity of your choice…but Rita loved flowers, so if you choose a bouquet it will also be appreciated.
Cremation has taken place and a private Interment was held at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
Condolences may be left at www.gardencityfh.com