Rita Smith Woolstrum, of Ansley, Nebraska, and Mesa, Arizona, passed away in RiverStone Health Hospice Home in Billings, Montana, with family by her side. She was 86 years old.
She was born in Dixon, Illinois, and married David Ronald Smith, also of Dixon, shortly after graduating high school, and together they raised four children who loved them both dearly. Theirs was a family of deep bonds, open hearts and arms, generous spirit, tremendous grit, and unending love and laughter.
Many years after she was widowed, she married Harry Woolstrum, of Ansley, Nebraska, whom her children effortlessly welcomed and embraced into the family. Rita and Harry lived in Ansley and spent much of the winter in Mesa, Arizona.
She will be remembered by Harry; her children Julie Smith Riddle (Scott), David Smith, Sara Smith Maher (Mark), and Anthony Smith (Fidelina); her grandchildren Emma Maher Youree (Trenton), Hannah Smith, Noah Maher; her brother Jim Wheeler (Sarah); many nieces and nephews; and by friends from around the country, and even by her children’s friends. She is predeceased by her parents Hiel Elisha Ford and Alice Flentje; her siblings Franklin Ford, Bernice Ford, Joyce Ford Gilbert, Helen Ford Reid, Hiel Robert Ford; and her first husband, David Ronald Smith.
Rita was a strong, happy, vibrant woman, passionate about whatever was before her. Her verve, intellect, curiosity, eagerness, and her indomitable will were the most noticeable aspects about her, and these carried her through a life that was both quite difficult yet also very blessed.
Throughout all life delivered her way, she was serenely anchored within, indomitable, courageous, and resilient in all she undertook, and joyful always. Her strength and joy lifted and carried us all. She was the shining brilliant core of our family, and she taught us well the value of family unity, endurance, and above all love for each other.
A private woman, nevertheless, her faith was powerfully demonstrated. Orphaned at 8 years old and taken in by various relatives in different places, she met her life’s circumstances with trust and grace and a calm demeanor and regularly demonstrated her ability to live her faith’s teachings.
Rita wasn’t one for much spectacle or fuss. She didn’t want a memorial service, but she found comfort in family and asked that her ashes be returned to Illinois where many of her relatives’ remains are marked.
The family expresses tremendous gratitude to the nurses and volunteers of Hospice Home for their compassionate care during her short time with them.
