Rita Diane Holmes

HAMILTON - Rita Diane Holmes, 68, of Hamilton passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Marcus Daly Hospice and Palliative Care Center. She was born December 28, 1946 in Helena the daughter of Pershing James and Donna Mae Menager.
Rita was raised and educated in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton High School. After high school she went to Beauty College in Seattle. This is where she met Rich Holmes and they were married on June 24, 1966. Together with their son, James, they moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1968. Rita and Rich welcomed their second son, Steve, in 1970.
Rita worked for Corvallis Drug for many years. In 1983, Rita and Rich started Antler Creations. Rich passed away in 2010 and Rita continued to operate it until she became ill.
Rita was a wonderful artist; she also enjoyed yard work, camping, family gatherings and traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rich; her son, Steve; her grandson, Justin; and her parents. She is survived by her son James Holmes and his wife Ramelle; her grandchildren, Nicole Jessop and husband Steve of Utah, Josh Holmes of Kalispell and Kaylie Holmes of Provo, UT; her great-granddaughter, Braelynn Jessop; her sister and best friend, Robin Herron of Victor; sisters-in-law, Betty Godfrey, Helen Terpstra, Frances Raper and Judy Johnson all of Georgia; her significant other, Todd Schiffman and his pets, Angie and Squeaky of Hamilton; and her loving dogs, Buck and Boomer.