Rita Mae Stein Zeller age 71, of Glasgow, passed away on March 6th, 2019 from a brief battle with cancer.
Rita was born on September 1st, 1947 in Glasgow Montana; the daughter of Raymond and Anna Mae (Zimmer) Stein. She grew up on a small farm east of Glasgow on the Fort Peck Highway and later moved to town. Rita attended St. Raphael’s Catholic School and graduated from Glasgow High School in May of 1966. She moved up north to help her Uncle Leo and Aunt Dorothy Zimmer with the children and their home during high school summers and after graduation. She spent four years with the Zimmers on the ranch cooking, cleaning, and caring for the children in preparation for her future as a loving mother, meticulous homemaker and talented cook. During that time she met and married Wilmer Zeller on August 14th of 1970. She became a mother to “Little” Willie in December of 1971 and seven years later was blessed with a daughter Alicia in May of 1978. Rita was a hard worker, a trait she inherited from her parents, all anyone had to do was look at her loving hands and see the work they had done. Rita spent a short stint working at A&W, and then went on to work at Woolworths, a place known for the best hoagies in town. In the thirteen years of Rita working Woolworths’ Crazy Days Sales she found a passion for dressing up which led to her outrageous Halloween parties for which she will always be remembered. In 1981, Rita worked as a sub in the Irle School kitchen, she was then hired full time in 1990. It was in this kitchen Rita made her career not only as “The Best Lunch Lady Ever” but as a successful prankster as well. Though Rita was known for her humorous side, she also is known for her compassion. She loved the children of Irle School and often bought clothing and coats for those in need. When she retired in 2014 Rita had impacted the lives of thousands of Glasgow’s children.
Rita’s love of gardening and her ability to grow beautiful flowers will be something she will always be remembered for. During the summer months, her yard would be overflowing with flowers from front to back. Then during the Christmas season, her yard would be lit up with thousands of Christmas lights and ornaments. The lights had to be up and on by dusk on Thanksgiving Day. Rita’s cinnamon rolls were so famous that people would line up at the back door of the Irle School on days she made them, and during Christmas people would also be in line for a bag of her caramel corn. Rita’s infectious sense of humor and her ability to be a prankster made her one popular lady, because of this, she was a part of many friend groups including the Badland Bitties. Throughout Rita’s life, she has loved and touched countless people and was much loved back. She will be missed.
Rita was instilled with a strong faith in the Lord from birth. She lived by her faith to the very moment of her passing. She was proud of her beliefs and was always there to share with those who needed guidance.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and baby Mary. She is survived by Willie Zeller Senior; her children: son Willie (Heather) Zeller and grandson Hunter; daughter Alicia and furbabies Bella and Lulu of Glasgow; siblings: Dan Stein of Missoula, Tony (Becky) Stein of Glasgow and their children Kyle and Mariah, Rod Stein of Miles City children Kinsey and Josh; beloved pets Jeffery, Jackson and Bobo.
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday March 8, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 9, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday March 8, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 9, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
sending prayers and thoughts of love and comfort to Rita’s family.
Marilyn says
Wish I could be there with you boys to help you get through the loss of your big sister. It’s tough when she is your go to gal. Rita is now dancing in heaven with Eileen and they are having one hell of a time.
My love to you all.
Mary Setera says
Rita was such a blessing to my daughter’s family, who were next door neighbors. She became my three grandsons “Glasgow grandma”. They will miss her immensely, but will always have the wonderful memories of a great lady.
Deb Waarvik says
I so enjoyed Rita’s giggle and infectious laugh. Our past 5 years of trecking over to Sandpoint have made such great memories. It won’t be the same without her. I know she is in heaven now with her families that are there welcoming her with open arms. God bless you cousin! TTFN
Carolyn Bachtold says
Thoughts and prayers for the family on the loss of a wonderful lady. Rita was a great lady and I know she will be missed by family and friends.
Paula Hicks says
RIP Rita…such a lovely lady…talented..sweet..never complaining…loved her beautiful yard…she will be missed…love and hugs to the family🙏🙏❤❤
Yvonne Johnson says
Words do not exist to describe Rita, she applied perfection in every thing that she did. My thoughts and prayers are with her family who she loved so much. She is now without pain , God Bless.
Ashley Wise says
She truly was my favorite lunch lady. She always had a smile and sweet comment for everyone.
Darrell E. Schweigert says
I remember working with Rita @ Glasgow Irle School and other locations where I subbed and worked in maintenance and delivered food to school locations for lunch in the early 1980s.
Bob Engstrom says
Very sorry to learn of Ritas passing. My deepest sympathy to all.
Carol Zimmer says
I am so sorry to hear this. I’m at a loss for words. I keep remembering all the family gatherings we attended when we were kids. Rita I will miss you! Dan, Tony, Rod, Willie and Alicia, you will all be in my prayers.
Linda Sorenson Gruver says
I am so sorry for your loss. Rita and I were best of friends through high school. I am so surprised by Ritas passing. RIP Dear Angel.
Rod Karst says
Will always remember Rita’s waterslide adventures in Columbia Falls; her story about Johnny Holding; her adventures with cobras in her backyard; the snake chopper; sending snakes to each other in the school mail; strawberry daiquiris; her getting on my shoulders at a concert; and the many, many laughs we shared! Miss and love ya Rita!
Lois Blanchette says
Rita was a fun and energetic St. R buddy. She will always be a part of my memories.
Leah Erickson says
So sorry to hear of Rita passing. She was a great lady and we recall lots of swim team adventures with her. She always ran the concessions for swim team meets for years and that was a very big volunteer job! Along with working at the school she was super busy lady that the kids loved. 🙏🙏🙏 to your family.
Lynn and Leah Erickson
Ken and Connie James says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rita’s family. We lost a very special lady in Rita. She was always in the middle of the fun, bringing her contagious laughter with her. She will definitely be missed.
Lisa Baxter says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tim Connors says
Sorry to hear about Rita. Wonderful lady with a great sense of humor. Prayers and thoughts with Willie, Willie, Alicia and the rest of the Stein Family.