Rita Kathleen McDowell, 84

Rita Kathleen McDowell, 84, passed away in the company of her family on Sept. 19, 2016, in Kalispell.

She was born in Opheim, Montana, on May 29, 1932, to Harley and Mary Ann Maurer. Rita graduated from Flathead County High School before attending business school.

In 1955 she married Robert McDowell, her husband of 46 years. They started and raised their family in the Flathead, where Rita remained for the rest of her life.

She loved the forests and vistas of the valley and especially enjoyed trips into Glacier Park. Rita had a love of animals, both wild and domestic, and retained an innocence that allowed her a special ability to interact with them. She also loved music and often attended concerts. Always on the lookout for a bargain, she loved to go to yard sales and search out treasures.

Perhaps her greatest joy was in visiting with people, especially her friends, and she was regularly found at the Senior Center sharing conversation into the afternoon. Her generosity, kind spirit and easy smile will be missed by all who knew her.

Rita is survived by her sons, Dan and Greg; her brother, Glen; and sisters Marilyn and Marjorie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Janis.

A remembrance will be held in her honor at 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Kalispell VFW.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry or the Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels program.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.