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Obituary: Rita Kay Wagenaar
Author: Family of Rita Kay Wagenaar

Rita Kay Wagenaar

Family of Rita Kay Wagenaar

Rita Kay Wagenaar was blessed with angel wings July 25th, 2026.

Rita was born June 10th, 1959, to Forest and Berylene Taylor.

She is survived by the love of her life, husband Paul Wagenaar; daughters Maggie, KC (husband) Kai (grandson) Geisler. Imagene, Ed (husband) Burcham, Virginia; Jason(husband), Ardian (grandson) Arbagast. Shayla (granddaughter), Cameron (husband), Jackie (great-granddaughter), Paul. Beryl “Sonny” (uncle), Janie (wife) Wagner. Along with many cousins, adopted daughters/sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Special Auntie Donna Coppenhaver and Pat McHale.

Growing up, one of Rita's favorite things to do was spend time with her Daddy out in the garage where he taught her everything she needed to know about the mechanics of a vehicle. She loved roller skating and riding her bike too.

After graduating from Flathead High School in 1977, Rita's adventurous spirit took wings and started working at the Snow Slip Inn, where she met her 1st husband, Steve. From there years of traveling with a seismic road construction company. In 1980, Rita's sweet little love bundle Maggie was born.

Years later, Rita and Maggie settled in Townsend, MT, where in 1993 Rita met and married the love of her life, Paul, moved to Hardin, MT where their combo family grew to 5.

A busy household with 3 girls, sheep, cows, horses, lots of dogs, a lot of craziness and love blended in it all. She had lots of love to give, which spread to many friends that became part of her large family.

Early 2000's, empty nesters Rita and Paul moved into town, where Paul manages the fairgrounds.

Rita gave her heart and soul to the Lord; she loved making & baking everything from scratch, canning, sewing, gardening, and most of all, she loved her family and friends deeply with her heart and soul.

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