Rita Rice Sleeman, 86

Rita Rice Sleeman loved to visit and get to know others; she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend; she taught business classes until she was 78. Rita, 86 of Lakewood, Colorado, died on May 15, 2025. A funeral service was held June 10, 2025, at Christ on the Mountain in Lakewood, Colorado.

Rita was born in Butte, Montana, on October 4, 1938, to Ed and Corinne Rice. Her parents owned a Ford Garage and the Rice Motel, where she spent many days working. This is where she got her work ethic. She lived in Whitehall throughout her childhood, graduating from Whitehall High School in 1956.

Rita first saw what would become her husband, Jack Sleeman, when she was in 6th grade as the Whitehall Basketball team made a run for the state championship. Rita then went to Seattle University for two years. Her mother sent her on a train by herself to start her studies. Around this time, she began seeing Jack Sleeman, and they decided to marry, so they went to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and then moved to Havre, MT. She continued her studies at Carroll College for 1 year and Graduated from Northern Montana College with a Business Education/Shorthand degree. Later, Jack converted to Catholicism through meetings with a priest in Whitehall, and they remarried in the Catholic Church.

Throughout the 1960s, Rita had three children: Edward in 1961, David in 1965, and Suzann in 1969. Rita always felt she should have had one more daughter so Suzann could have a sister like she did with Mary Jane.

Rita maintained a strong work ethic throughout her life. In 1971, she encouraged Jack to accept a position in Golden, Colorado, prompting the family to relocate. Rita continued her career working for an insurance salesman before transitioning to a teaching role at Barnes Business College, where she established a network of lifelong friends. She continued her teaching career at Holy Family High School until a subsequent move. Following her retirement, Rita assisted Ed with his drywall business and continued to impart her knowledge by teaching classes at Red Rocks Community College, demonstrating her enduring passion for education.

Rita was central to the family, organizing many gatherings and playing games such as bridge, Bunko, and other card games. She enjoyed reading and frequently wrote cards and letters. Completing crossword puzzles and jumbles from the newspaper was part of her daily routine, and she enjoyed the comics. Rita often watched her grandchildren whenever possible, including Matt, Nick, Jack, April, Tyler, and Tanner.

Rita never forgot the people in her life, and we will never forget her.