Rita O'Neil

Rita Kaye (Weyrauch) O’Neil, age 72, passed away on December 18, 2024, in Missoula, Montana surrounded by family and the compassionate staff at St. Patrick’s Hospital.

Rita was born on April 11, 1952, in Devils Lake, North Dakota to Walace “Sonny” and Verniece (Hanson) Weyrauch. She grew up in Ray, North Dakota on a farm with her family. She graduated from Ray Public School with honors, continuing her education studying at Minot State University where she continued her passion of the arts.

From a young age, Rita had a passion for the performing arts. She loved the theater—not only singing but also creating costumes and sets—and brought that same creativity into every aspect of her life. An avid singer and performer throughout her life, she shared her talents generously with those around her.

After leaving college in Minot she moved to Helena, MT where she worked for Mountain Bell/US West and later was the project manager for the State of Montana in telecommunicaitons - when you called the State, you would hear her voice proudly directing you. Her passion extended into the workplace where she was known as a dedicated professional who led with heart. She later married Joseph O'Neil and started her family.

Rita was the beloved mother of Devon (O'Neil) Honzel of Missoula, Kelly O'Neil and Bradley O'Neil of Helena. She was a proud grandmother to Isabella, Gillian, and Grayson Honzel of Missoula, and Emma O'Neil of Helena. Her love for her family was unwavering, and she found great joy in supporting her children and grandchildren in all their sporting events and endeavors.

Rita also had a special bond with animals—especially her beloved horse Trigger—and fondly recalled riding as one of the joys of her youth. She loved all her pets including all the adoptive dogs who came her way.

A woman of deep faith, Rita worshiped at several Catholic churches throughout her life. She was an active member at St. Michael’s Parish in her hometown Ray, North Dakota; Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in East Helena; and Blessed Trinity Parish in Missoula. Her commitment to the church extended beyond attendance—she served as a music minister, participated on parish councils, and embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2014. Rita lived a life filled with devotion to her family, faith, and community, she will be missed by many.

She is survived by her siblings: Herb Weyrauch of Williston, ND; Joe (Lynne) of Saco, MT; Jesse (Lori) of Stanley, ND; Vicki (Gary) of Saco, MT; Anne (Mark) Robbennolt; Mike (Judy) Wood; Connie Weyrauch of Wolf Point, MT; and her extended family Debra Christain. Rita held close bonds with her enormous family as well, including her great uncle Donny and Evelyn Hanson and Cora Weyrauch. She leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews who will have fond memories of her. Everyone in her “family” was important to Rita. She always prayed for them, told stories about them and cherished all time she got to spend time with them.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Sonny and Verniece Weyrauch; her brother Art Weyrauch; nephew Jake Weyrauch; grandparents Tom and Mabel, Bruno and Dolly; great-grandmother Tommy; as well as her extended family Don and Mary O’Neil.

A vigil service will be held in Rita’s honor on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and funeral service on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Blessed Trinity Parish located at 1475 Eaton Street in Missoula.

Rita’s legacy lives on through the love she gave so freely to those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to her Missoula parish, Blessed Trinity or Legendary Lodge Sholarships.