Rapid City - Rita "Midge" Gossman, 93, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Saint Martin Village, on her 73 ^rd wedding anniversary. She was born to Geneva and Francis Fahy on February 16, 1928. Her parents raised Rita along with her brother Jim and sister Joanne in Emery, South Dakota. She enjoyed spending time in the summer with relatives in Midland, SD. Rita graduated from Emery High School in 1946 and was known for her love of dancing and gift of gab.

Rita was married to Fred Gossman on August 23, 1948. As Fred pursued his teaching career, the family lived in Erwin and Pickstown before moving to Rapid City in 1957. Raising their eight children kept Rita extremely busy and she relished her role as "mom". In 1967 Rita began her work in the food service industry, first in her role as supervisor at St. John's Hospital and then as head of the school lunch program at St. Elizabeth Seaton school. Rita then took her love of socializing into a new adventure as a realtor for Kahler Realtors. It was a perfect career fit for her as she established many new acquaintances and often renewed friendships with former clients. She always strived to look her best and had a real passion for shoes and purses. She retired from this successful career in 1993.

In 1998, Rita and Fred moved to their property in Nemo, SD where they had lovingly bought land, built their second home, and landscaped the surrounding property. Rita loved working in her many flower beds and observing the nature and wildlife at their home in the Hills. Fred and Rita instilled their love for the outdoors in their children. Rita was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church for over 60 years and was an active member of the altar society, volunteering for many activities in the parish. Rita had recently resided at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village.

Rita is survived by her children: Tim (Peggy) Gossman, Steve (Debe) Gossman, Kathy (Tim) Gusso, Jack (Carol) Gossman, Teresa (Jim) Hendrickson, Fred Gossman, and Nancy (Mike) Swope; 25 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, daughter Mary, parents, brother Jim, and sister Joanne.

Rita considered herself blessed by her many family and friends.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am Friday, August 27, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.

Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.