Funeral Service: Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth
Burial: will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery
Rita Julius Theodora Robertson Philbrick, born December 23, 1907, in a sod house in Hog Hollow, NE, the only living child of Gavin and Ann Robertson. Ritas mother passed awaywhen Rita was about six years old. Rita and her father became very close as he continued operating his farm as a single parent. Rita had many stories to tell about riding horses with her dad, always accompanied by their big farm dog. After a time Gavin married Ritas teacher, Leah Dutton. A son, Dickie, and a daughter, Ardis,were born to Gavin and Leah. In 1919, Gavin, Leah, and the three children moved to Montana where they operated a farm on Rosebud Creek. Rita would tell about riding her horse to school in Rosebud, as did some of the other children. She also talked about baby-sitting Vesta Polich. In high school Rita played on the girls basketball team. They traveled to and from their out-of-town games on the local train. She attended school until 1926, when she married Dale Philbrick on August 27, 1926, a sheep rancher on Rosebud Creek.
Rita and Dale made their home in the former Sabra post office building, where they began operating the DK ranch. Initially they ran sheep with Dales father, Newell G. Philbrick, later they began raising Hereford cattle. Their only child, Newell, was born to them in November 1932, in Forsyth. When Newell started school, Rita became a school bus driver for students on the Rosebud Creek. She was always an active supporter of the students and school events.
Rita and her husband, Dale, retired to Forsythin 1959 where they purchased the Tarbox residence on 9th Avenue. Dale passed away in 1962, and Rita continued to make this house her home until 2003, when in failing health, she entered the Rosebud Health Care NursingHome. In October of 2009, Newell and Andre cared for her in their home at the Philbrick ranch. It was there that she passed away peacefully on April 11, 2010 in the presence of her minister, Rev. John Vallie, Newell and Andre, and her other care giver Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, at the age of 102+ years.Rita always enjoyed being involved with people. She was an active member of many organizations including Homemakers Club, a charter member of Cow Belles (Rosebud CattleWomen) and the Nile, Range Riders, Sage Riders, Pink Ladies, SECW,and Classic Car Club. She was also active in Republicanparty activities. Rita was an active member of the Concordia Lutheran church, baptized, and confirmed in her faith.After her husband Dales passing, Rita began traveling extensively. She visited the home of her grandmother in Denmark, her grandfathers home in Scotland, - England, Japan, Philippines, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. She also traveled about visiting relatives in many states over the years. She kept active with daily walks to town, and exercising in the local swimming pool. She also enjoyed being a substitute bowler for a bowling team. Her pastimes included driving her 1934 Chevy car with the Classic Car Club, in parades and on tours around the state. Playing cards with friends and family was another interest she enjoyed. She said she didn't have a sit down nature to enjoy knitting, crocheting, or things of that sort.
Rita leaves behind her son Newell and wife Andre, three granddaughters, Rochelle Pulver, Denise (Ernie) Brewer, and Kristi Dayle (Bill) Gross. Four step-granddaughters, Roberta (Martin) Bunting, Rita Trostel, Rochelle (Scot) Wahlert, and Rebecca Compher. Six great-grandchildren, twelve step-great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and three step-great-great-grandchildren. Also nephews Gary (Jen) Jensen and family, and Kevin (Carol) Robertson, nieces Janet (Bud) and family, Patti (Don) Langor and family, Betty (Ray) Clark and family, Karen Lane and family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gavin and Ann Robertson,step-mother, Leah Robertson,half-sister Ardis Jensen, and half-brother Dickie Gavin Dawson Robertson.
Life is not a journey to the gravewith the intention of arrivingsafely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather toskid in broadside, thoroughlyused up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming WOW, What a Ride!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of the Pool, Rosebud County Museum, Rosebud County Library, Rosebud County Senior Citizen Center or the Concordia Lutheran Church of Forsyth.
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