Rita Nellie Patterson

Rita Patterson passed away peacefully, returning to her heavenly Father on November 2, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion to her family. Born on August 22, 1935, in Great Falls, Montana, to Francis and Catherine Reidy, Rita shared an unbreakable bond with her twin sister, Zita, her instant best friend.

A vigil will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. both at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with niche placement in the Holy Spirit Columbarium following the service.

She graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1953 and then attended the College of Great Falls. Rita’s life changed forever when her sister set her up on a blind date with a young man from Green Bay, Wisconsin. She married Robert Charles Patterson on December 28, 1957, and together they welcomed six children in seven years: Suzanne, Stephen, Lynn, Michael, Mollie, and Patrick. Rita was a steadfast supporter of Robert and their children in all their endeavors, though she cherished quiet moments alone with a good book. Her love and devotion to her husband were unwavering, and some of her fondest memories were their travels together, especially their cherished times in Hawaii and at their cabin at the Dearborn.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Rita’s life. For 58 years, they lived across the street from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and later Holy Spirit Parish. Rita and Bob could often be seen walking to mass together, hand in hand. After church, their small home would be filled with the laughter and love of their children and grandchildren, all gathered for breakfast. Rita loved to have the family gather for the holidays. Everyone was always too skinny and needed to eat more. Rita continued to love visits from her grandchildren and great-grandkids. The love felt in her presence is unmatched and is going to be missed dearly. She would welcome them with a warm hug and sweet smile. She loved to hold all her babies and watch them play, never to complain about the noise or chaos they would bring. She prayed for her family daily and was everyone’s biggest prayer warrior. Grandma Rita was the biggest blessing to all, and everyone could feel her prayers and love.

Rita leaves behind her loving family, Suzanne and Brad Bauman of Fairfield, Steve Patterson of Great Falls, Lynn and Peter Donnelly of Helena, Michael and Brenda Patterson of Monarch, Mollie and Wes Secord of Great Falls, and Patrick and Shannon Patterson of Red Lodge. She is also survived by her 23 grandchildren, Jared Swartz, Kattie (Kirk) Meyer, Joslin (Nathan) Hubbard, Kody (Nicole) Swartz, Hannah (Ryan) Haffemann, Chas (Dusti) Patterson, Matthew (Tessa) Patterson, Sarah Donnelly, Siobhan Eze, Thomas (Lizzie) Donnelly, Mackenzie (Lorcan) Murphy, Justin (Samantha) Patterson, Casey (Charlie) Patterson, Kelsie (Adam) Briese, Tyson (fiancée, Madison Mahoney) Patterson, Mandie (Matthew) Haag, Whitney Secord, Bethany (Shane) Neuman, Stephanie (Beau) Graham, Jordan (Jeri) Patterson, McKayla (Nathan) Haack, Danika (Colter) Clark, and Dylan (Morgan) Patterson. She welcomed the addition of bonus grandkids with Kori (Katrina) Bauman, Da’Lyn Bauman and Jordan (Cara) Bauman. Her legacy will live on in her 47 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, who will continue to carry her spirit forward. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

While her family was not ready to say goodbye, Rita had been deeply missing her family that had gone before her, and she was ready to be reunited with them in heaven. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob; her parents, Frank and Katie; her twin sister and brother-in-law, Zita and Chuck Johnson; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Wannie and Cliff Butterfield, and Patricia and Gordon Bodart.

Rita Patterson will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her boundless love for her family, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel special. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank Suzanne and Brad for the excellent care they gave our mother the last 8 years and Peace Hospice for their compassionate and loving care in Rita’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or Benefis Peace Hospice.