Rita Claire Karlin, 71

It is with deep sadness, and much love in our hearts, that we announce the passing of Rita Claire Karlin, maiden name of Werner, on Feb. 21, 2021, at her home of 27 years, with her husband James Allen Karlin, by her side.

Rita was born Oct.16, 1949, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to John and Kathrine Werner. Rita was the youngest of 11 children. She worked in healthcare at the Bismarck Hospital, before venturing out to Montana, on vacation, with two of her dear friends, Dennis and Dianne Peterson, who introduced Rita to James “Jim” Karlin, of Columbia Falls. James and Rita were married on July 1, 1975, and inseparable from one another since.

Rita and her husband later went on to become adoptive parents to their only child, Kenzie Rae Holdorff (Karlin) born Oct. 31, 1991, to Erica Stone and Scott Wehr. Kenzie was 8 months of age at the time Rita and Jim were able to adopt her. But Rita spent countless hours rocking her as a volunteer in the nursery. Due to the severity of Kenzie’s medical needs at the time of adoption, Rita stayed home to care for Kenzie for several years, before later returning to work in home healthcare. Being a wife, mother and grandmother to her three beautiful grandchildren has been Rita’s biggest pride and joy in her final years on earth. There isn’t much Rita loved more than being a grandmother, and spoiling her grandchildren, anytime the opportunity presented.

Rita is survived by her adoring husband, Jim Karlin, of Kalispell; her daughter, Kenzie Holdorff, and son-in-law Timothy Holdorff, of Kalispell; along with her beloved grandbabies, Eric Hauser (9), of Minot, North Dakota, Eli Holdorff (6) and Abigail Holdorff (4) of Kalispell.

Rita is also survived by three sisters, Irene Doerr of Bismarck, Sharon Whitten of Pacifica, California, and Gloria Vigil of Fairfield, California; sister- and brothers-in-law, Doreen and Robert Frankenhauser, Carol and Ron Haag, Kathy and Tom Armstrong, Dana and George Karlin, and Corlis and Mike Butzlaff; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Rita was preceded in death by both of her parents, John and Kathrine Werner; her three older brothers, Andy Werner, Johnny Werner and Leo Werner; along with four of her older sisters, Pauline Ehlis, Viola Wurl, Mary Noon and Lois Schmidt.

Cremation will be taking place. Memorial services are pending for late spring/early summer.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.