Rita Emily Caldwell

Rita Emily Caldwell passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the age of 86 in Great Falls. Visitation will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home Tuesday, May 29, 2018. A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Rita was born January 23, 1932 in Shonkin, Montana to William and Aggie Connolly. Rita attended Catholic school in Great Falls and was raised by the Sisters of Providence at the St. Thomas Home, an orphanage in Great Falls and also by a couple of foster homes until she completed the 9th grade. Rita had a deep appreciation for the Sister of Providence for taking care of her and her sisters during this very tough time in their lives. After that, she moved in with Dan and Babe Hennessey where she helped take care of their children until she turned 18. On her 18th birthday Rita married Phillip Jones and together they had four children. Phillip passed away in 1967.Rita became a nurse’s aide in the early 50’s and worked at the Columbus, Deaconess hospitals, and County Convalescent Home until 1970 at which time she married John Caldwell and they raised the seven children together. Rita stayed at home to raise the children and later went back to work as a lunch lady for 15 years at Great Falls High School. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes church and an active member of the choir and of the Senior Citizens Center. Rita loved to sing, knit, crochet, fishing, camping, word finds, garage sales, playing “wash shoes,” dancing, playing cards and spending time with her family and her beloved dog Summer, who was with her until this past winter. Rita and John bought a piece of land up in the Dearborn area in the early 1970’s, lots of family time was spent up at “the land.” We all have lots of wonderful memories of spending time up at Dearborn, motorcycles, rafting, swimming, fishing, campfires, singing, and good old family fun. It started as land, then a trailer was moved in, and eventually a cabin was built for all of the family to continue to enjoy and cherish those great memories of family fun. Rita is survived by her sons, Phil (Terri) Jones of Great Falls, William (Kari) Jones of Great Falls, John Caldwell of Williston, ND, Dale (Shauna) Caldwell of South Jordon, UT, and Michael Caldwell of San Marcos, CA; daughters Barbara Zbinden of Great Falls, Elaine (Eric) Heffelfinger of Great Falls, and Michelle Caldwell of NJ; sister Delores Benner of CA; grandchildren Leah (Ben) Mart, Bobbie (Dave) Maberry, Sarah (Dane) WinterNight, Jared Jones, Katie (Troy) Arias, Paul Heffelfinger, Adam Heffelfinger, Amanda Kramlich, Teri Grassman, and Matt Hoskinson; great-grandchildren Emily Mart, Hannah Mart, Tataiana (Matt) Conley, Loren Maberry, Madilyn Maberry, Alexander Buche, and Reilynn Buche; and great great-grandson Calvin Conley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McLean Animal Adoption Center. Condolences for the family may be left at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.