Emma Jean “Rita” Ranes, 91, “rode off into the sunset” on Sunday, May 22, 2016, after a long battle with COPD.

Rita was the youngest of seven children born to George and Eva Ruth of Loma. She grew up on the homestead ranch, graduated from Fort Benton High School and went on to teach in a one-room schoolhouse until she met Perry Ranes at a dance. They married in Big Sandy and settled for a few years in Great Falls until after the war. Their three children were born there. In 1952 they moved to Columbia Falls for work on the Hungry Horse Dam.

Rita had a variety of interesting jobs she thoroughly enjoyed. Among her favorites were telephone operator for the city of Columbia Falls, dispatcher for Columbia Falls Police Department and office manager for Montana Power. Most of all, she loved being a mother. She was happiest surrounded by her family. Rita was never afraid of a challenge. She was an avid card player, gardener and loved to read. She lost her hearing completely by age 70 but did not let that stop her from a few adventures despite her profound deafness. She also embraced technology after losing her hearing and mastered the computer as a way of staying in touch with her scattered family.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Perry L. Ranes.

Rita is survived by her children, Mary and Jim Ayers of Belgrade, Sherry and Ron Henderson of Soldotna, Alaska, and Perry and Peggi Ranes of Redmond, Washington; grandkids, David Francis, Kelli Chester, Heather Morgan, Megan Ranes, Eric Ranes, Perri Henderson, Tracy Clark and Jennifer Henderson; 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Ward of Portland.

We especially want to thank the loving staff at the Bee Hive in Columbia Falls. Mother made her home there for three years and really considered it home, the best compliment of all.

Any donations may be made to Flathead County Animal Shelter of Kalispell or Columbia Falls Ambulance Service.

At Rita’s request no services are planned.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Rita’s family.