Rita Mary Winterberger

Rita Winterberger
December 16, 1925 ~ March 7, 2015


Rita Mary Winterberger (née Ryan) passed away on March 7, 2015, at the age of 89. She was born December 16, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois. She is remembered by her older son Ken Winterberger and daughter-in-law, granddaughters, Shea and Bryn; younger son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Karla Winterberger; grandsons, Sean and Brad and granddaughter Karla-Kee; and daughter Kathleen Winterberger; many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, parents, Martin and Marie Ryan; and brother, Martin Ryan.

After raising her children in River Grove, Illinois, Rita came to Montana in December 1984 with her husband after having their retirement home built in Huson. She spent the next 10 years with her husband exploring western Montana and making many friends in the Huson/Frenchtown area, especially other members of St. John the Baptist parish in Frenchtown. After her husband died she spent the next 10 years on her own, doing volunteer work. In 2004 her daughter moved to Montana.

Most of her adult life was spent as a homemaker and volunteer. She found true happiness doing volunteer work, starting with Boy and Girl Scouts when her children were involved and for many years after. After moving to Montana she got involved in collecting and reporting 'Huson weather' for a local television station. She volunteered at the church, at Community Hospital in Missoula, and Telephone Pioneers of America.

Hard working, fun loving and helpful probably best describe Rita. She was always kind and generous to those who needed it and always tried to help everyone. Her family and friends were very important to her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Missoula, the Alzheimer's Association, or the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

A Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service for Rita will be held on March 12, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 16680 Main Street, Frenchtown, MT 59834 followed by a reception at the church and burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 2:30 pm. Condolences may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Rita Winterberger's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.