Rita Idona Roesinger

Rita Idona (Collier) Roesinger, born on November 24, 1940, to Alice Marie (Foster) and Gail Huber Collier, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, with her loving husband of 60 years, David Robert Roesinger, by her side.

Rita was a woman of many identities and talents: daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, artist, philosopher, and writer. She was always curious and sought wisdom and outlets for her creative and brilliant mind. Above all, she was defined by her deep caring for others. Her compassion, empathy, and kindness were shown to all who knew or even met her. Though she faced many struggles in her life, particularly with her health in recent years, she did not let anything prevent her from enjoying her family, friends, and fellowship. She loved to cook for everyone and was just as creative in the kitchen as she was in the work she produced. She tried to tread lightly on this earth but left a long-lasting impact on many.

A poem she penned in 1958 reads:

“If we received our just rewards

How many would be pleased?

Would each believe he’d justly reaped

The harvest of his deeds?

How few would ask, “What did I to

Deserve this happy lot?”

How many more would ask in shame,

“O Lord, what did I not?”

I wonder how at harvest time

The world will fill its needs:

For those who sow no grain in spring

Reap nothing more than weeds.”

In her life and in facing death, she was humble and expected to feel shame at her judgement, but we are quite certain she is asking what she did to deserve this happy lot! She gave so much and asked for so little.

Rita is survived by her husband; three children, Eric, Amy Thompson (Mark), and Dan (Saga Erickson); and two grandchildren, Miranda Thompson (Nate Shorr) and Mac Thompson.

Those wishing to honor her legacy are asked to donate in her memory to Heifer International, a global development organization on a mission to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.