Rita Hamilton, 76

Rita Jean Holecek Hamilton, age 76, passed away on Jan. 3, 2018, at her home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Rita was born in Moorhead, Minn. on July 11, 1941, to parents George Holecek and Edith Nordling Holecek. The Holeceks lived in Wolverton, Minn., and moved to Coeur d’Alene just before Rita started high school. Rita graduated valedictorian from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1959. She attended Wellesley College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1963. Rita married George Hamilton in the summer of 1963 in New York City where they lived following their marriage.

Rita began her career working as an assistant to a vice president for Trans World Airlines. Rita and George moved back to Coeur d’Alene in 1969. Sarah, her first daughter was born in 1974, and her second daughter, Deborah, was born in 1979. Rita went on to work for Harris Dean Insurance in the early 1980s until she retired in 2005. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Rita taught Sunday school for more than 20 years. She was wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Rita will be dearly missed as she was the rock who held the family together.

Rita is survived by her husband, George; her brother, Wayne Holecek; her daughter, Sarah (Jason) Robinson; her daughter, Deborah Hamilton and granddaughters, Jane and Alyssa Robinson.

A service to celebrate Rita’s life will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. Fifth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Hospice of North Idaho or Kootenai Humane Society in honor of Rita.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Rita’s memorial and sign her online guestbook www.yatesfuneralhomes.com