Rita Eileen Stewart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Rita Eileen Stewart, who departed this world on March 22, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on January 12, 1938, in the serene town of Billings, Montana, Rita was a cherished daughter of Robert and Josephine (O'Shea) Dell. She spent her final days enveloped in the love and presence of her family, in the very place her life began. Rita's life was a tapestry of love, resilience, and profound connections, woven together by her unyielding spirit and kind heart. She was predeceased by her devoted parents, her beloved grandmother Mary O'Shea, her dear husband LeRoy (Stew) Stewart, with whom she shared 17 wonderful years of marriage, her cherished son William Robert Means, her brother Richard (Dick) Dell, and two nephews who left us too soon. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, Terry (Garry) Mohr, Lisa Means, Barbara Means, David (Ridon) Means, and Tammi Stewart. Her grandchildren, Andrea Mohr, Garrett Mohr, Olivia Mohr, Kacee Means, Eric Means, and Raelinn Jones, along with her sister Donna (Tom) Teegarden, three nephews, a niece, and four great-grandchildren, will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Rita was known for her kind, compassionate, and grateful nature, qualities that endeared her to everyone she met. She spent many years working in retail, where she formed lasting friendships and found joy, especially during her time at the Hart-Albin Company. Her work was not just a career, but a testament to her dedication and her love for engaging with people. Beyond the walls of her professional life, Rita found solace in the great outdoors, reveling in the beauty of God's creations. Her heart was most at peace amidst nature, whether it was spending time with horses and cows or simply breathing in the fresh air of the Beartooth Mountains. Camping under the expansive Montana sky brought her a calm that she cherished deeply. Rita’s life will be celebrated on March 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Smith West Funeral Chapel, located at 304 34th St. W., Billings, Montana 59102. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring her memory and sharing stories of a life well-lived. As we say goodbye, we remember Rita for her warmth, her unwavering love for her family, and her profound appreciation for the world around her. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. May she rest in eternal peace.