M. Rita Holzer

M. Rita Holzer

Rita Holzer was called home in the early morning hours of December 19th, 2025, at the age of 103. In the several weeks leading up to her death, she was surrounded by family and friends. Rita was born to James and Lily Cogley on February 12, 1922, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Rita went on to marry Jack Holzer in 1940. They settled in Aberdeen and together had 7 children there. In 1955 they moved to Spokane, Washington where they had their youngest child. Rita enjoyed sewing, quilting and various arts and crafts. She loved playing bingo and most of all, her family. Although she worked many years for the school district as a cook, she was a caretaker. She helped to care for her 6 siblings growing up, and later in life she cared for her husband Jack and mother Lily in the last years of their life. Rita was preceded in life by her husband Jack, parents James and Lily Cogley, siblings John, Gertrude, Dorothy, Ellen, Anna and Joan. Children James, Tom, Margaret "Peggy," John, Rita and Kathleen, several aunts, uncles and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters Gloria and Natalie, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made anonymously to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.