Rita Lenore LaPalm Konen Stetzner

Rita Lenore LaPalm was born to Alice Elizabeth Quinton and Joseph Aurthur LaPalm on Saturday, December 30, 1939, in Butte, Montana. On July 27, 2024 Rita changed her address when she was welcomed through the Gates of Heaven. Rita was a devoted daughter, loving mother, doting grandmother and great grandmother, and a friend to all that crossed her many paths. Her first marriage to John Thomas Konen (Tom) resulted in the blessing of three strong and healthy boys – Tom, Mike and Gary. Later in life she married Bill Stetzner with whom she shared a love for family and faith until his death. Rita’s children were the focus of her life. She devoted unconditional love, time, energy and attention to her active and energetic sons: Tom (Carol) Konen, Mike Konen (Pam), and Gary (Bobbie) Konen. Always on the go in school, sports and outdoor activities, she enjoyed keeping up with the boys, finding time to be involved and always supportive. And even bigger blessing were her many grandchildren: Jake (Lacey), Zach (Allie), Rebecca (Harrison), Sarah, Logan, Kenzie (Austin), Wyatt, Libby, Clare & Eli {Tom & Carol}, Tessa (Anthony), Casey (Deke), Tyler (Kaliegh), Haley (Dillon) {Mike & Shera}, Hannah, Nolan, Nate, Sam, Emma {Gary & Bobbie}. She cherished her 15 great grandchildren: Brody, Calum, Paisley, Collyns, Nevaeh, Kira, Taurie, Niko, Emmett, Ember, Opal, Onyx, Ozlo, Dash & Waylon. Her happiness was family and that was the basis that validated her deep faith. Rita's love for the Lord was fuel for her life and spirit. God was a focal point of her life, and she spent much of her time fervently praying for her loved ones and people around her. In drawing close to God, Rita received much comfort and peace throughout her life. Innately, Rita was the most grace-filled, selfless, and gentle woman and those traits in her only became more evident as she constantly filled her time with her savior, who displays those traits perfectly. As believers, we can rest assured that Rita is at peace and in no pain with God whom she knew so deeply. Rita had a fierce band of girlfriends who were and always will be with her. Their friendship and annual reunion excursions left a mark of love and commitment on all of them. She leaves behind Edith Merritt, Merce Ames, Bette Lou Freebourn, LaVerne Daicich, Kittie Neifert, Sharon Woody and will soon see Sandy Heimark (deceased). Rita had numerous nieces and nephews: Kenny Jo, Addrien, Laurie, Denise, Dany, Billy, Steve, Russell, Kim. Rita was preceded in death by parents Art and Alice LaPalm, Russ (Beverly) LaPalm, Kenneth (Joanne) LaPalm, and sister Barbara (Bill) Tarrow. So many to greet her home! ALL THREE God, Grant that I live long enough To see my handsome sons, all Three Achieve manhood, maturity. Grant that in the years to come There will be no pain or sorrow On their yesterdays or tomorrow. Lord, each day I give my thanks For what you have given me, such joys My precious gifts, all three sons, my boys Rita Konen 1967 A funeral mass will be celebrated in her honor at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Butte and the time and date will be announced.

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Rita Lenore LaPalm Konen Stetzner

December 30, 1939 - July 27, 2024