Rita Nelson

Rita Kay Nelson, 66, suffered a severe stroke on February 9, 2019 which led to her passing on February 13, 2019 surrounded by family at Billings Clinic. Rita was born on July 13, 1952 in Beach, North Dakota. She moved to Glendive, Montana in 1956 and graduated from Dawson County High School in 1970. Rita later obtained her Associates Degree at Dawson County Community College in Parts Management and Sales Technology in 1993. In 1972, Rita had a brief marriage to Bob Hodous. They had a son, Rob Hodous, who resides in Kalispell, MT with his family. On March 17, 1977 Rita married Brad Nelson and together they had three boys: BJ, Shad and Trent Nelson, all of Glendive. Although Rita and Brad divorced in 1984, they remained close friends for the rest of her life. Rita enjoyed the outdoors and cooking for her family. We will always remember her nachos and “Rita's Pitas.” Rita had a busy social life and her face was always seen around town. She had many friends, especially those at Trailstar who she enjoyed gambling with. Rita is survived by her four sons: Rob Hodous, BJ Nelson, Shad Nelson, and Trent Nelson; twelve grandchildren; Kelsi Nelson, Aubryanna Nelson, Madison DeShaw, Braden Nelson, Kayla Nelson, Majessa Nelson, Koby Martell, Landon Nelson, Caden Nelson, Draven Nelson, Bella Hodous, and Mabel Nelson; her sister, Pat Sortor of Missouri; and her brother Richard Cook of Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred Cook, Anna May Madison and George Brilz, and her brother Don Cook. A Memorial Service was held at 2pm, Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Sacred Heart Church in Glendive, MT.