Rita L. Miller, 72, of Moorhead, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at HIA Heather's House, Fargo, ND.

Rita Lynn Miller, 72, of Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at HIA Hospice – Heather's House in Fargo, ND, following a short battle with cancer.

Rita was born on June 18, 1954, in Moorhead, MN, to Ross and Ruth Mathews. She attended special education programs in Moorhead, graduating in 1975. Following graduation, Rita was accepted into a pioneering pilot program in St. Paul, MN, designed to teach independent living skills to disabled adults. It was at this group home that she met the love of her life, Richard Miller. The two were married on August 23, 1980.

Rita and Richard built a wonderful life of 35 years together in St. Paul, both working full-time jobs—Rita working for many years at Drkula’s Bowl in Oakdale—and maintaining their own home. In 2013, Rita and Richard moved to Riverpointe Assisted Living in Moorhead.

Rita had the kindest heart, especially toward animals. Over the years, her home was filled with love for birds and dogs, holding a special place in her heart for her beloved poodles, Skippy and Fluffy. A vibrant presence in any group, Rita truly came alive in social settings and eagerly signed up for every activity available at Riverpointe, with Bingo and group field trips being her absolute favorites.

Above all, Rita cherished her family. She was the proudest Auntie and Great-Auntie, always eager to travel to watch her nieces and nephews in their activities and looking forward to the next family birthday or celebration. Summers were spent at the family cabin taking pontoon rides, and at the first snowfall, she was already excitedly planning her next trip to Florida. Rita brought genuine joy and smiles wherever she went, often blessing loved ones with sweet homemade cards—which, if you were extra special, contained a dollar bill or two!

Rita is survived by her sisters, Rae (Lynn) Mathews-Halmrast of Moorhead, MN, and Sheri (Paul) Hohncke of Fergus Falls, MN; her 8 nieces and nephews: Meghan (Daniel) Berge, Tim Halmrast, Patrick Halmrast, Julia (Nate) Larson, Jenilee (Ben) Bigaouette, Danielle (Tyler) Brummer, Cari Jo (Ethan) Anderson, and Andrew (Taylor) Hohncke; and 24 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Miller; her parents, Ross and Ruth Mathews; her brother, Ross Mathews Jr.; and grand parents Lloyd and Golda Kreps and Everett and Edith Mathews.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at HIA Hospice and Heather’s House for the compassionate care Rita received.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. with a visitation half hour before the service at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.