Rita Emerson, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister passed away February 25th, 2022 after a 10 month battle with cancer.
Rita was born September 23, 1949 to Harry and Honey Shaffer in Butte Montana. She was the 3rd of 5 siblings. Rita grew up in McQueen and attended Holy Savior and graduated from girl’s Central.
On March 29, 1969, Rita married John Emerson at Holy Spirit Church. They were married 52 years when John passed away in October 2021. Together they had 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and her greatest grandson, Jonah. Rita worked at Kmart and most recently at the Finlen Hotel.
Rita’s greatest accomplishment was raising her kids, grandkids, and greatest grandson. She watched Jonah until she was unable due to her failing health. She loved taking care of her grandkids and always made sure they were well fed. They joked that she made enough for 12 when there was only 5 eating. Rita made the best pasties in town. She didn’t miss a sporting event for any of the kids and was very proud of everything they did.
Rita was preceded in death by husband, John, and brother, Harry Shaffer.
Rita is survived by sons Todd/ Shelley Emerson, Justin Emerson, Andy/ Lisa Flaherty, sister Leonora/ Mike Foley, brothers, Bernard Shaffer/Mary Mazzolini, Leon Shaffer, and sister-in-law Linda Shaffer, grandkids, Kabri and Rashae Emerson/Noah Davis, Seth and Wes Erickson, McKenzie and Michael Flaherty, and greatest grandson Jonah Davis, also many nieces and nephews that she took care while they were growing up. Rita wanted to live long enough to meet her next greatest grandson, but sadly, she was just about a month shy.
A gathering for Rita and John will at a later date. Cremation has taken place. The Family of Rita would like to thank the very caring staff at Copper Ridge and St. James Oncology.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Rita.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Rita and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bryan Seidita says
Sympathy to the family!
Juliann Crnich says
My thoughts & prayers are sent your way.
Tracy, Gary Sonsteng and family says
So very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing
Deepest Sympathy to Leon, Bernie and all of her
Family and friends.
Georgene (Boksich) Cachola says
So very sorry to hear this. Rita And the Shaffer family lived across the alley from us in McQueen. We have so many good memories. Our prayers for Rita and all of her family.🙏
Georgene Boksich Cachola says
Georgene (Boksich) Cachola says
So very sorry to hear this. Rita And the Shaffer family lived across the alley from us in McQueen. We have so many good memories. Our prayers for Rita and all of her family.🙏
Roger Dammarell says
Sincere condolences and prayers for Rita’s family on her passing. She was one of a kind. I have many wonderful memories of her as she and John started dating back in the 60’s. My family moved to California in late ’65 but I went to their wedding and visited several times over the years. We remained friends for 57 years. RIP Rita.
Dee Scalabrin says
I am so sorry about the passing of Rita.
We grew up together in McQueen and just lived down the street from the Shaffer Family.
We had great times together. I enjoyed seeing visiting with her and John at the Hanging 5 .
She will be missed and now she is with her partner John
Dee Muffich Scalabrin
Rosemary HAYES says
I am so sorry to see this. We had such fun at KMart. She was great to work with and I consider her my friend. Sympathy to the family.
Becky Mattila says
So sorry about Rita’s passing 😢 my thoughts and prayers are with her family 🙏
Terri Kipp says
Dana, Todd, Shelley and all your families I am very sorry about Rita’s passing. Now all her pain has gone away and she is at peace with the love of her life. My thoughts and prayers to you all. Rest In Peace Rita.
Pauline Mencarelli deBarathy says
So sorry for the loss of another clsssmate. I met Rita in 1959 when I started 5th grade at Holy Savior grade school. We then continued on for 4 years at Girl s Central. I loved giving Rita grief at Kmart. Will miss her. God bless her family 🙏🏻🌷
Steve Perusich says
So sorry for the loss of Rita, I have many fond memories of her and John. We did many fun things together in our early years. While we have not keep in touch over the years I have deep feelings for them both. Many condolences to there family. Sending prayers and blessing they will be in my prayers.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️😢
Pam Ryan says
I am so sorry of the loss to your family. Rita was an awesome lady and will be truly missed.
Barbara WilsonGreen says
So sorry for your loss worked with Rita at k-mart always remembered everyone wonderful lady
Terry Dunfee says
So sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She and my wife Patti were great friends as were John and I . Your faamily is in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Al and Andrea Hart says
We loved visiting with Rita at KMart and Al’s life would not have been complete without working with John! They were great fun separately and un-stoppable together! Our condolences to the whole family as you learn to navigate life without Rita and John. ❤️
Janice Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Rita’s Family. She is once again reunited with the love of her life John
and together they will watch over their beautiful family. May her memories hold dear in your hearts. Rest in peace Rita I will miss seeing them both at Sparky’s. (((hugs)))
Janice Muniz
( Sparky’s Garage)
Joann Heath says
My prayers and thoughts go to all of her family. She was always fun to be around enjoyed all of our adventures together. Great lady she will be missed by all. I know she’s smiling down on us. Treasure the memories.
Pam Pennell says
Todd, Shelley and families I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was a wonderful lady! Sending love and prayers💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜
Mary Kay McGinnis says
To the Emerson and Shaffer families. I am sorry for your loss. Rita had a funny personality. We had laughs. She is now with Harry and John.