Marita Rae (Hermansen) Christensen, age 68 of Amery Wisconsin passed away suddenly on March 12, 2014 at Casa Grande Medical Center in Casa Grande, AZ.

Rita will be greatly missed by her companion Tom Butcher of Amery, WI; daughters Kari (Joe) Sattre of Amery, WI and Anna (Eric) Kirsling or Chaska, MN; grandchildren Kellen Kirsling and Olivia Sattre; sisters Connie (Steve) Fredrickson of Amery, WI and Claretta Hansen of Amery, WI; brother Chet Hermansen of Madison, WI and many other family and friends.

Rita was born on November 8, 1945 in Frederic, WI to Edward and Mildred Hermansen. She graduated from Unity High School in 1963. Rita married Raymond Christensen in August 1965. Rita and Ray moved to Moose Lake, MN in 1972. Rita was a loving mother to her daughters, active in the community and had many dear friends. She was very active in Girls Scouts and was a leader for 10+ years and worked with the Girl Scout Council in Duluth. She touched the lives of many girls during her time with the Girl Scouts and was always willing to help out others.

Rita moved to Duluth in 1995 after she and Ray divorced. She was active in Elim Lutheran Church and her wonderful community of friends there. In 2006 she moved to Amery, WI where she met Tom Butcher, her cherished companion. She and Tom wintered in Arizona City, AZ.

Rita loved spending time with Tom, her daughters, sister Connie, family and friends. She especially loved the time she spent with her grandchildren. She was passionate about her gardens, always stopped for garage sales, enjoyed reading and a good movie. Her caring and generous nature, easy laugh, sense of humor and loving spirit was felt by all who knew her.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her companion Tom, 2 daughters, 2 grandchildren, 2 sisters, brother, ex-husband and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Williamson ~ White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, WI and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 22, 2014 from First Lutheran Church, 240 Elm Street West, Amery, WI. A private family interment will take place at the Milltown Cemetery in Milltown, WI at a later date. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St E, Amery, WI 54001.

Arrangements were made with the Williamson ~ White Funeral Home in Amery, Wisconsin.