Rita Faye Patterson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Faye Patterson, 66, of Ranchester, Wyoming. Rita passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 19, 1958, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Vernon Mohs and Charlotte Afu, Rita was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, father Vernon Mohs, mother Charlotte Afu, brother Jody Mohs, and son Timothy Ard.

Rita is survived by her siblings Rose (Jeff) Schwartz, Roberta Maurer, Robin (Michael) Wright, and Jimmi Ladwig; her step-siblings; children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

In June 1976, Rita married Olaf Ard, and together they had four children. Rita was the proud mother of her children, a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Iverson (Michael), and their children, Emily, Olivia, and Nicholas; her daughter, Aron Ard, and her children, Alexis (married to Connor, with their children Adeline and Asher), Xander, and Everett; and her son, Cory Ard (Genea), and children, Jade, Kylee, Aubree, Kienna, Wesley, and Lee. Rita was preceded in death by her eldest son, Timothy Ard.
When Rita married Charles Patterson in 2005, she gained two stepsons, Carl Patterson, Colter Patterson (Shawna) and their children Lydia and Sydney.

Rita’s life was dedicated to the service of others. She graduated as a nurse in 1979 and spent her career in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, residential, and mental health facilities, working tirelessly in fields such as substance use recovery, troubled teen care, and general practice. Her years of service at the VA hospital in Sheridan, Wyoming, were especially meaningful, where she was honored with the prestigious Nursing Excellence Award three times. In addition to her nursing career, Rita explored other fields such as real estate and construction, embodying her spirit of resilience and hard work.

Rita had a profound impact on everyone she met, touching lives with her compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Her legacy of love, service, and family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held at Ranchester Town Hall on Friday, January 17th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, honoring Rita’s lifelong commitment to serving those in need. [ https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html ]  

Services will also be held in Great Bend, North Dakota at a later date. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.