It's with very heavy hearts that we have to say farewell to our loving Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Sister. We know Mom and Dad are now dancing together in heaven.

Rita Ann Bussmus age 89, of Mitchell died Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Avera Oueen of Peace Hospital.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 6 to 8 PM at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7 PM. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.

Rita Bussmus, daughter of Henry and Anne (Meinen) Schelle, was born November 13, 1927 in Iowa. She attended school in Reliance, SD. Rita was the captain of the basketball team and loved tap dancing. She attended DWU for a short period of time in bookkeeping.

Rita met Orval in February of 1947 while working at Montgomery Ward. She was united in marriage with Orval Bussmus on November 6, 1947 in Reliance, SD. Rita worked many years at St. Joseph Hospital working the night shift. Her duties included: dispensing medication, telephone operator, billing and receptionist.

In 1952 Rita and Orval through hard work, dedication and devotion to each other started O.L. Bussmus Construction. She did all the bookkeeping and receptionist work for 64 years. Rita was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks, Moose and the Association of General Contractors.

Rita deeply loved family and the time spent with them. She had such an open heart that welcomed and accepted each new member into the family. She planned numerous family gatherings creating many precious memories. Hallmark loved to see the "Queen of Cards" walk in for her monthly card supply. Rita got great joy in giving and receiving cards from family and friends.

Rita had a very strong belief in the Catholic faith, and a very active member in the Altar Society. She loved dancing, visiting, gardening, reading, cooking, playing Yahtzee (which she won a lot) and playing cards. Mom and Dad had the great honor in 2016 when the Historical Society reached out to her to share her accomplishments throughout their lifetime.

Rita was positive, encouraging, kind-hearted, generous, accepting and loving. She touched many lives and she will be greatly missed by all of us.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three sons, Dwight (Joyce) Bussmus, Hot Springs, SD, Ken (Deb) Bussmus, Gary (Cindy) Bussmus, both of Mitchell, SD; four daughters, Rosann (Howard) Legge, Rapid City, SD, Diane (Mark) Weide, Mandan, ND, Lanette Keifer, Rapid City, SD, Janel (Ron) Blotz, Deadwood, SD; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; a brother, Larry (Jan) Schelle, Groton, SD; a sister, Helen (Skip) Sievers, Sioux Falls, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Orval; a son, Dwight; an infant son, a grandson Jeremey; two brothers, Junior and Loren; and a sister, Louisa May.