Rita Frances Reuer was born in Selby, SD on January 31, 1938, to Thomas Lawless and Muriel Coffey. As a child growing up on the ranch, she became very fond of her grandmother Clara Coffey who was a strong role model for Rita in her younger years. She also had a close relationship in her teenage years with her stepfather Robert Himrich who mentored her in all aspects of life on a farm. She graduated from Selby High School in 1956 and went on to attend Augustana College on a music scholarship. She later transferred to Northern State College where she graduated in 1960 with a degree in teaching. During her college years she spent her summers in ND where she worked at the State Capitol as secretary.

In 1960, she married Calvin Reuer at the Lutheran Church in Selby. They settled into farm and ranch life on the Coffey place where Rita grew up. It was there that they raised their four children: Todd, Georgia, Dean, and Tamara. In 1970, Calvin and Rita became founding members of the North American Limousin Foundation and spent the next 15 years building a reputation herd of purebred Limousin cattle. Rita also enjoyed breeding and raising horses. She was especially fond of her spirited horse named Sally. Even in her later years the mention of Sally would evoke a smile from Rita.

In addition to life on the ranch, Rita worked for several years as a writer for local newspapers. She also worked for the Post Offices in Mobridge and Selby and later in Loveland, CO from 1985 to 1994.

In 1995, Rita moved to Rapid City where she became the owner of Fjords Ice Cream Factory. This was a match made in heaven as she loved ice cream and her loyal customers. She used her creativity to develop unique flavors such as Black Hills Gold, a customer favorite. In 2002, she sold the business and moved to Spearfish. In 2006, Rita moved to Tea, SD, where she lived for 10 years, then returned to Spearfish.

Rita was an avid reader throughout her life and always enjoyed learning. Some of her favorite areas of study were holistic living, investing and politics. She enjoyed music and was an accomplished pianist. She could listen to a song and, within minutes, fluently play it by ear on the piano. Rita's family and her faith were at the center of her life. She loved the Lord and enjoyed spending time with her children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Rita passed away on December 19, 2023, in Spearfish, at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare with her children by her side.

Family members include her children Georgia McCool, Houston, TX, Dean Reuer, Spearfish, SD, Tamara Reuer, Aladdin, WY; daughter-in-law Kelley Reuer, Mandan, ND; grandchildren Danielle (Luke) Slotwinski, Tyson (Sarah) Reuer, Levi Froke, Philip (Kristen) Reuer, Landon (Sarah) Froke and Kristi (Eddie) Gabel; great-grandchildren Carter Froke, Natalie Slotwinski, Kadence, Selah, and Ezra Reuer and sibling Jay (Jackie) Omland.

She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin Reuer; her father Tom Lawless; her mother, Muriel Himrich; her stepfather Robert Himrich; her son, Todd; and her brother Patrick Omland.

Memorial and graveside services for Rita will be held in Selby, SD at a later date to be announced.

Cards can be sent to Georgia McCool, 15722 Dunbar Ridge Dr., Cypress, TX, 77429. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made towards a memorial bench to be placed along Spearfish Creek.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com