Rita Janet (Zentner) Elliott

ELLIOTT

Mrs. Rita Janet Elliott of Rimbey, Alberta passed away in the Rimbey Hospital & Care Centre on Friday September 27, 2019 at the age of 87 years.

 Rita was predeceased, by the love of her life, Bert on January 20, 2019. They were married for 67 years, and Rita never got over the loss. They loved to dance, and now they can continue their dance, Together Forever!

Rita is survived by her three loving children, Terry, Maxine (Rick) and Carla. Predeceased by her daughter Laureen, Rita is also survived by her grandchildren Trina (Robb), Rayanne (Todd), Brennan, Rosalie, Amber (Jeremy), Ashley and by eleven great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

Rita spent her childhood on a farm in Saskatchewan. She had two sisters, Irene and Kathy both of which predeceased her and is survived by one brother Rick.

She got her teaching degree and taught in a few one room school houses. It was a pretty tough job, with some big farm boys being twice her size.

Rita married Bert in 1951 and moved to Ontario. She continued teaching and started raising a family. They came back to Saskatchewan, opened two restaurants and a few years later purchased a hotel, motel and a coffee shop. Here they also added two more children to the family.

Rita never had the luxury of being a stay at home mom. She was always a very hard-working woman with her hands in every aspect of the businesses.

In 1977 Rita and Bert moved to Blackfalds to manage a hotel there. A few years later, Rita worked at Central Alberta Florists greenhouse. She worked there until she retired at age 65. While working there, she made many life long friends, and learned to crochet.

Rita was an avid crocheter and knitter. She made many blankets, sweaters, table cloths and tons of tea towel holders. Rita even volunteered her time to crochet table cloths for all of her children and grandchildren and the Lacombe continuing Care Centre. She kept on making dish clothes even in her final days in the care home in Rimbey.

Rita loved camping. She travelled around with Bert doing the rodeo circuit for many years. Many of these friends became family. They also camped at Wilson’s Beach for many years. There she enjoyed fishing with Bert, the kids and grandkids while enjoying a bon fire every night.

Rita’s greatest love in her life was her family. Spending time playing cards, shopping and just spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Rita will always be missed by all. Especially those that loved her most.                                                               

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