Obituary of Rita June Simpson

Rita June Simpson, 79, Twin Falls, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, departed suddenly and unexpectedly when God called her home to Heaven on Friday, August 30. Rita was born in Wendell, ID on June 9, 1934 to Everett and Erma (Smith) Simpson. She arrived on her mother’s birthday, the third of five children and the first daughter. During her childhood, the family lived in Wendell, Bellevue and Hailey. Rita attended grade school and junior high in Wendell. She attended Wood River High School in Hailey through her junior year. After her father died, her mother accepted a job in Jerome, moving Rita’s senior year. She graduated from Jerome High School in 1952. Rita and her siblings worked throughout their teens to help support the family in their father’s absence. She began work in bookkeeping her senior year at Jerome Co-op Dairy and was employed there until 1964. She married Joseph Wagner of Buhl in July 1959. The couple had three children: Anna, Christina, who died at birth, and Joe. The family moved from Jerome to Hazelton in 1964, residing there until 1968 when they moved to Twin Falls. While in Hazelton, Rita devoted her time and talents to homemaking and raising her young children. She and Joe later divorced. In 1970 she married Jay D. Schwenson, her childhood friend, school sweetheart and true love. They made their home in Twin Falls where they have resided for 43 years. Rita’s career in bookkeeping resumed in 1968 when she took a job at Gateway Trailer Center. In 1977 she began work at Beckstead-Cooper CPA firm, which later became Cooper-Norman Company. In the early 1990’s Rita accepted a position as Office Manager at Latham Motors, working there until her retirement in 2002. Her greatest joy and passion centered on family. Encouraging and supporting her children’s and, later, grandchildren’s school activities, music performances and athletic events was what she most enjoyed. She showed enthusiasm for their interests and goals, and was proud of their many accomplishments. Memorable family times included camping, boating, and vacationing. Attending the 1980 Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Oklahoma City, OK when Anna was a contestant was a highlight for Rita. In retirement, Rita and Jay had great adventures traveling with various groups of friends and family. Camping and boating at Flaming Gorge was their favored getaway. She was an avid gardener and loved tending the varied flowers in her yard, which was in constant bloom. Roses and clematis were her favorites. Recently Rita became a great-grandmother to Carder Jay, who quickly became the newest love in her life. She absolutely glowed when he was present, delighting in each baby milestone. This beautiful, sweet, gentle woman was known for her grace, cheer, optimism and compassion for others. She had a deep faith in God. A sense of humor and a tinge of mischief made her all the more endearing. Rita, we will miss you every day. We are grateful for the times we spent together and, most of all, for the love we shared, which endures and sustains us in your absence. Rita is survived by her husband, Jay; daughter Anna (Craig) Casperson, and grandson Cody Casperson, of Kimberly; grandson Brock (Allie) Casperson and great-grandson Carder, of Twin Falls; son Joe (Whitney) Wagner, grandson Jacob Wagner and granddaughter Allison Wagner, of Clarkston, WA; stepdaughter Julie (Bob) Powell, and grandsons Jack and Danny Powell, and stepson Kevin Schwenson, of Fargo, ND; stepdaughter Tracy Schwenson (Kelly Brant) of Palo Alto, CA; brother Marvin Simpson, of Boise; sister Kathy (Robert) Butler, of Eagle; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gerald Simpson and Carl Simpson, and infant daughter Christina. A viewing will be held Thursday, September 5, from 6-7 pm followed by a Vigil Celebration (7 pm) at Rosenau Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will take place Friday, September 6, at 11 am at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Monastery of the Ascension & Retreat Center, 541 East 100 South, Jerome, ID 83338 or a charity of the donor’s choice.