Sister Rita Taggart, OSB, (Rita Marie Taggart) 83, entered eternal life on January 11, 2015. Sister Rita Taggart, whose parents were Archie and Helen, was born on February 6, 1931 on a farm near Gregory, South Dakota the third of seven children. On becoming a novice she received the name, Sister Mary Gertrude, but later returned to her baptismal name of Rita. Sister Rita attended rural elementary schools with the exception of the fourth and eighth grades when she attended St. Joseph's Boarding School operated by the Benedictine Sisters. Her high school years were spent at St. Martin's Academy then in Sturgis, SD. Sister Rita entered St. Martin's Convent on December 8, 1947 while a senior, became a novice on June 24, 1948, pronounced Temporary Vows in 1949 and Perpetual Vows on July 5, 1952. She received her college education from Black Hills Teacher's College, St. John's School of Nursing in Rapid City and the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. As a young Sister, Sister Rita taught at St. Ambrose School in Deadwood and St. Mary's School in Lemmon, SD where she was also principal for two years. At that time the Benedictine Community operated three area hospitals. In need of more hospital personnel, Sister Romaine Bielmaier, Prioress, asked the younger Sisters to consider hospital ministry. Sister Rita then entered St. John's School of Nursing and ministered in the medical field as a nurse, instructor and later, in administrative positions at St. John's, St. Joseph's in Deadwood and the VA hospitals in Iowa City, IA, Scottsbluff, NB and Leavenworth, KS. In 1976, she joined three other Sisters from St. Martin's at St. Catherine School in Laguna Beach, CA where she taught fourth grade. In 1984, Sister Rita was elected prioress in which capacity she ministered for two terms or eight years. After this she served the Community as Business Manager and then as Archivist and in Hospitality. Sister Rita was known for her friendliness, her gracious smile and her dedication to monastic life. She enjoyed water color, varied crafts and cooking. Sister Rita spent the last few years in our Health Care Unit where she died after being anointed on Sunday, January 11 in the presence of her faithful brother, Joe Taggart of Whitewood, many of the Sisters and Health Care staff. She is survived by her brother Paul of Gregory, Joe, many nieces and nephews and her Benedictine Community. Visitation will be Monday, January 19 at 5:30 pm at St. Martin's Chapel followed by a vigil at 6:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial takes place at 10:00 am, January 20. Msgr. William O'Connell will preside at the Mass. Burial will be in the nearby St. Martin Monastery Cemetery.