Hamilton – On September 5, Rita Louise Neustrom passed away at the age of 91, in the company of her family at her home in Hamilton.
Rita was born on June 18, 1931 in Le Mars, Iowa, to Mark and Elizabeth Garvin. She grew up in Marcus, Iowa as the oldest sister of four other siblings: Jerry, Marcella, Jean, and Helen. She graduated in 1949 from Holy Name High School and then attended Ellis School of Cosmetology. Through her high school friend, Pat Neustrom, she met her husband and lifelong companion, Will “Woody” Neustrom. They married on December 10, 1952, and had 5 children together; Rita raised them with great love while Will deployed both stateside and abroad as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force. Upon Will’s retirement from the armed forces in 1970, they moved their family to Hamilton, Montana, a community which both maintained was irrefutably the most beautiful place they had ever seen. Rita called the Bitterroot “the best kept secret in the world.”
Rita was an indispensable part of her beloved community. She was a devout congregant of Saint Francis Parish, a Haven House volunteer, and an award-winning member of the Bitterroot Quilters Guild. She and Will worked together in their various businesses throughout the years, which continue to operate today. More than anything else, Rita was a kind and loving soul, and all those who knew her can recount their own unique stories of her grace. Indeed, she raised five children, but she was like a mother to many more. Her famous cooking and her wise advice spoke for that image. Second to her love for her family and community was that of the color purple, rare to see her in public without wearing her signature color.
Rita is preceded in passing by her husband Will Neustrom, her son Bill Neustrom, and her siblings. She is survived by her children: Cindy (Bud) Hartley, Mary Beth (James Walker) Neustrom, Steve (Susan) Neustrom, Jim (Dwight Auch) Neustrom, and daughter in law Sally Neustrom; as well as her many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As we all grieve her passing, we are comforted in knowing that she went peacefully and without regret. Rita lived a long and full life, and she is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Will. She will have eternal life both in the Lord’s Kingdom and in our hearts. At a time such as this, she would remind us that her greatest legacy is the love that we have for our family and our friends; a love that never dies.
Visitation was Monday, September 12, 2022 at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a Rosary and Vigil Service following. A Funeral Mass was celebrated the following day at Saint Francis Catholic Church. Internment at Riverview Cemetery will follow, with a reception afterwards at the Parish Center. Memorials can be made at Haven House or Saint Francis. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.