Rita Margaret Litz
July 27, 1940 - February 21, 2013
It is with profound sadness that the family of Rita Litz of Humboldt, SK, announces her death on Thursday, February 21, 2013. She was 72 years of age. Rita was born on July 27, 1940, in Humboldt. She was the seventh child of 11 born to Ben and Maria (nee Hoffmann) Rolfes. She grew up in the St. Gregor, SK, area and attended Arras and Diamond Willow schools. After completing Grade 10, Rita worked for many homes in the area, taking care of the children and keeping the house. It was at one of these postings that she met the love of her life and, as they say, the rest is history. Rita married Charles "Charlie" John Litz on June 24, 1961, in St. Gregor R.C. Church, St. Gregor. To this union, five children were born. Due to Charlie's job the family lived in various communities in the province until the children became school age and they made Humboldt their home. As well as being a busy wife and mother, Rita always worked out of her home, starting at the Pioneer, then Mario's and, finally, at St. Mary's Villa where she began as a Nurse's Aide and finished her career as the Laundry Housekeeping Supervisor for 30 years. Upon retirement, Rita and Charlie had more time to make their rounds visiting their loved ones and were famous for coming by before the sun was up. Many hours were also spent bobbing around on the lake, with Charlie trying to school Rita the fine art of fishing. Rita was a prolific writer; many poems, cards and letters of beauty were sent to her family and friends. She made the best fried chicken and stews, bar none. Costumes, quilts, doilies and afghans were made with love and stock piled for the next generation. Even after Charlie's sudden passing in March 2010, her diagnosis of a brain aneurysm and broken hip it didn't dampen her faith or her love of life. Her connection to God was life-long. Mom was a beautiful example of how to live even when we didn't recognize it. Rita will be deeply missed by two daughters, three sons, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild: WANDA (Neil) Bryce of Watson, SK, and family, Jessica (Chad) Matsalla and their son Sully, Rebecca, Mitchell and Cassandra Bryce; DARCY (Joanne) Litz of Regina, SK, and family, Natasha and Devan Litz; DION Litz (Kathy Cardinal) of Wabasca, AB; DARREN (Jean) Litz of Slave Lake, AB, and family, Dustin and Rodney Litz; VALARIE (Brian) Harriman of Meacham, SK, and son, Galen; one sister, Estella (Dennis) Klassen of Regina, SK; two brothers, Ervin (Mary) Rolfes and Alfred Rolfes both of Prince George, BC; sisters-in-law: Jan Gransmore of North Battleford, SK; Lucille (Brian) Jeffrey of Hay Lake, AB; Rayma Rolfes of Sparwood, BC; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Maria (nee Hoffmann) Rolfes; her husband Charles Litz; mother-in-law, Marcella Litz; father-in-law, John Litz; five brothers: Leo, Ben, Vince, Jerry and Joe; two sisters: Adele and Marie; two sisters-in-law: Anita and Ann; and by brother-in-law, Cecile Skipper. The Prayer Service for Rita was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., led by Jenny Irwin and organist Dolores Hinz. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Monday, February 25, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Gregory Roth. Others taking part were: Galen Harriman, crossbearer; Jessica Matsalla and Mitchell Bryce, scripture readers; Rebecca and Cassandra Bryce, intentions; Tara Wallis and Maureen Wadham, giftbearers; Neil Bryce and Brian Harriman, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Rita's life". Active pallbearers were Darcy Litz, Dion Litz, Darren Litz, Dustin Litz, Rodney Litz, Devan Litz, Mitchell Bryce and Chad Matsalla. Interment followed at St. Gregory R.C. Cemetery, St. Gregor. Memorial donations may be directed to the Stars Air Ambulance. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
