Rita Rae Windom
The Western News | UPDATED 2 weeks, 1 day AGO
Rita Rae Windom, born Rita Rae Hunt on June 28, 1942, in Dearborn, Michigan, passed peacefully Feb. 22, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She graduated from The Dalles High School and, in 1959, married Robert “Bob” Windom while he was stationed at Fort Carson. Together they shared 66 years of marriage grounded in faith, loyalty and partnership.
After beginning their family in Winslow, Arizona, they returned to The Dalles before making Libby, Montana their permanent home in 1967. Rita was an active partner in Windom Distributing, the local Coca-Cola franchise, Sunshine Vending and the Montgomery Ward catalog store she and Bob purchased in 1976.
In 1996, she became the first woman elected Lincoln County Commissioner, serving 12 years representing south Lincoln County. She was especially proud of helping develop local walking trails and advocating for Libby residents during the W.R. Grace asbestos crisis and Superfund cleanup.
A longtime member of Faith Bible Church, Rita also helped establish Libby Volunteer Hospice and served numerous community organizations. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bob; son David and wife Brenda; son Evan; daughter Debbie; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
There will be a visitation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home; 422 W. 2nd Street; Libby, MT.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Faith Bible Church; 239 Education Way; Libby, MT.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.