Raetha Rose Evenson (Richeson) quietly passed away in Billings, Montana on November 21st 2024 at the age of 83, with her daughters by her side.
Raetha was born to Robert and Margaret (Gieser) Richeson at 2:40 AM in St. Josephs Hospital on March 27th 1941 in Minot North Dakota, weighing 8lbs 10oz.
Raetha was the middle child in the family of 9, including five brothers (Lloyd, John, Tony, Joe and Donny) and 3 sisters (Marcella, Marie and Margie). Raetha spent her younger years working alongside her siblings and parents on the family farm and ranch in rural North Dakota. Moving to multiple locations such as Elbowoods, Granville, and Parshall, Raetha grew up with a strong work ethic, a love for family and the great outdoors. She loved all animals and collected many chickens. Most recently, she enjoyed sitting outside caring for her 5 kittens.
After attending high school in Parshall, Raetha married her husband, Lowell Evenson in July of 1957. Together, Raetha and Lowell had 6 children, Lowell Jr., Kathy Rae, Laurie Kay, Sherry Jean, David Lowell, and Tricia Rose. They moved from their first home in Minot, North Dakota to Watford City, North Dakota before they made their final home in Circle, Montana in 1964.
Her brothers and sisters made many trips to Circle to spend time together – attending dances, taking family trips to Fort Peck Lake and watching sporting events. Raetha loved watching the world series of baseball and watching football games with her son-in-law Dustin.
She loved to try new things and explore new ventures such as snowmobiling and four-wheeling with her family, spending her younger years with her kids in the snowmobiling group, Sno-Snoopers and later spending time with daughter Sherry, her husband Dustin and grandson Justice working cattle and branding on the Kluth family Ranch in Vida, MT. In time, she was able to join Justice and his wife, Kyndra working cows with their family.
Raetha held many jobs in the Circle Community, including a maid at the historic Gladstone Hotel, a CNA at McCone County Health Center – where she helped to admit the very first patient upon the facilities opening in 1977. One of her favorite jobs was being a McCone County Dispatcher, from which she retired in 2015 after a decade of service.
As an active member of the Catholic church, she greatly enjoyed helping with the annual rummage sale, attending mass with her multitude of friends and spending time with her great grandkids – including attending their multiple sporting events, as well as attending all of Circle Community festivities such as vendor shows and parades. One of Raetha’s favorite activities as her family grew and aged went from taking her grandson Christmas shopping to him later taking her to new towns each year to find the perfect gift for everyone.
Above all, Raetha was a mother who took pride in her family and her home. She worked very hard throughout her life to ensure that things were always kept in order. Raetha’s home was always open to family, friends and anyone who could use a hot meal. One memory that has stuck with her daughters throughout the years is watching their mother cook meals, make coffee and serve water to all of the fire fighters as the old bowling alley burned next to the family home.
Raetha loved life and spending time with others. As the years went on and more great grandchildren came along, she enjoyed spending birthdays and holidays surrounded by family and helping out with every meal that was planned – joining in many card games and late-night puzzle building sessions. She also loved music and dancing and reading.
Raetha is survived by two sisters Marcella (Bill) Dibble and Margie (Leroy) Giese. Four brothers, Llyod (Verdell) Richeson, John (Larae) Richeson, Tony Richeson and Donny (Lynette) Richeson. Daughters Sherry (Dustin) Kluth, Tricia Evenson, Stacie Olinski and Kathy Groh. Grandson Justice (Kyndra) Kluth and great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jaxon, Kinley and Kambree Kluth.
She is preceded in death by her brother Joe Richeson, sister Marie Evenson, brother in-law Bill Dibble, brother in-law Leroy Giese, son Lowell Evenson Jr. son David Evenson and daughter Laurie Evenson.
A funeral took place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Interment followed at the Riverview Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family be visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 26, 2024
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Luncheon
Following Interment
Tuesday November 26, 2024
VFW Post 4813
100 Main Street
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 26, 2024
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Luncheon
Following Interment
Tuesday November 26, 2024
VFW Post 4813
100 Main Street
Circle, Montana 59215
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Aaron & Jessica Bradley says
Deepest sympathy to Raethas family. She was a great lady.
Sheri says
I enjoyed meeting Raetha and working with her many years ago and always had a good visit whenever we met over the years. I will miss her.
Tara Kirkegard says
Kathy, Sherry, Tricia, and all of Raetha’s family…
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was truly one of the sweetest ladies and I will forever cherish our talks and laughs when we worked together. She was such a special lady. Lifting all of you up in prayer and asking that God bring you peace and joy in your memories. Sending you big hugs.❤️🙏
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Sincere condolences to all of Raetha’s family. I was fortunate enough to work with her years ago and she was one of the kindest ladies I was fortunate to have known. She’ll be able to be with Laurie now. Rest in Peace Raetha.
Lynesse Voegele says
Our deepest sympathy and condolences as you mourn the loss of Raetha. She was always so sweet and I have fond memories of my mom and Raetha visiting and laughing. She was one of Mom’s dearest friends. You are all in our prayers . Hugs and blessings to you!
Cheri (Fritz) Weidner says
Kathy, Joe and Josh Groh although not mentioned I know she ment a lot to you all and have many cherished memories. I remember her showing off her first Grandson Joe every chance she got, and then when I would come back to Circle seeing Raetha and Kathy with both Joe and Josh around town. She just beamed with pride over those 2 boys. I also remember her kindness to my Mo after we lost my brother, it meant a lot. God bless her entire family and keep your memories close at heart ♥️ during this sad time.
Kim Smarsh says
My deepest sympathy to Raetha’s family. I enjoyed getting to know her when she worked at Schmidt’s Super Valu. She always brightened my day!
Nita Crockett says
So very sorry. Raetha was a lovely lady who had such a wonderful, quiet demeanor. She was a gem of a person and a friend to all. All of my love and sympathies.
Take care and May God Bless
Nita
Kathy McFarland says
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Raetha well but always enjoyed visiting with her. She seemed like such a sweet, nice lady. May you be comforted by God’s presence now and in the days to come.