Rapid City – Rita Hobert, 90, died Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at the Clarkson Healthcare Center.

Rita Maxine Mootz was born July 6, 1927, to Herman and Rose [Feterl] Mootz at Sioux City, Iowa.

In 1930 her mother took Rita and older brother Bob to Highmore, SD, driving a Whippet auto. With the same grit and determination, she made a life for them there until 1942. At that time, the family moved to Harrold when her mother married Hank Gorman.

She completed her education in Harrold graduating in 1945. She attended Yankton College for 2 years. In 1947 she married Orville Hobert and to this 47-year union, 5 children were born. It was a life-time commitment to the farm and raising their family. The children all grew up knowing responsibility and commitment to God and family.

In later years, Orville and Rita enjoyed spending winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Since Orville was an avid collector of coins, stamps, and old tobacco tins, they enjoyed going to auction sales looking for "sleepers."

Orville died suddenly in 1994 and because the boys were already involved in the operation of the farm they simply continued.

In 1998 Rita decided it was time to step aside and with long time friend and now companion, Pinky Rau, they moved to the Hart Ranch in Rapid City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, two brothers, her husband, and two sons-in-law.

Survivors include 5 children: Jenny Hegg, David and Barb Hobert, Carla Hurn, Gary and Deb Hobert, and Roxanne and Scott Cloud. There are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

At Rita's request, no services will be held. A graveside committal service will be held at a later date at the Medicine Hill Cemetery in Harrold.