Loretta Jean 'Rita' Collins, 93

Loretta Jean “Rita” Collins, 93, left this world to join the love of her life, Dale Collins, on Feb. 1, 2021. Mom will also join her mother Leona Pagel, father Edward Pagel, brother Oren Bud Pagel, and her second daughter, Linda Day.

Rita is survived by Pat and Guy Lavoie, Sharon Collins, Don and Penny Collins, Dorothy and Tim Stensrud. She has eight grandchildren, Jeff LaVoie, Ryan LaVoie, Nicky LaVoie McGarity, Travis Collins, Jarrod Collins, Nathan Collins, Lauren Stensrud, Morgan Stensrud, and three great-grandchildren.

Rita came to the Flathead Valley with her parents at the age of 18 and met Dale, serving him a malted milkshake at the local soda shop. They fell in love and married in 1947 and enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Rita has been looking forward to reuniting with him after 18 years of separation.

Rita loved to laugh and enjoyed to laugh and enjoyed sarcastic humor. She felt blessed to live in the Flathead Valley as she absolutely loved nature. Dale and Rita were regulars on Big Mountain where she enjoyed skiing with family and friends.

From the mountain down to Flathead Lake, she loved every day spent at their cabin, and took up sailing. They took their first sailboat out on Flathead in February, wearing down coats and learned to trim the sails.

Their Arabian horses were a big part of her life. She often would wander into the barn to pet her favorites. It was her treasured quiet time. She loved RVing with Dale and friends … bottom line … she loved people and she loved her relationship with God.

You are welcome to join the family for a funeral Mass at St. Matthew’s today, Feb. 4, at 12:10 p.m., with rosary service preceding at 11:30 a.m.

A celebration of life memorial reception and interment will be announced summer of 2021.

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