Rita Hazel Couture Cannon
RONAN — Rita Hazel Couture Cannon passed away April 20, 2014, at her home in Ronan. She came into this world on Jan. 13, 1939. Rita was born to Joseph E. Couture and Susie Andrew and was raised in the Elmo area. Rita went to Ursulines Catholic School in St. Ignatius and to the Polson Schools. She married Robert Reginald DePoe, Sr. on July 22, 1954, and together they had five children: Debra, Robert, Fredrick (Rick), Carole and Daryl (Corky). They were divorced and Rita later married Daniel Cannon, on Oct. 5, 1965, and they had 3 children together: Sharon, Charles, and Curtis. They lived on a ranch in Hot Springs. While in Hot Springs, Rita worked and later managed the Bath House. She liked meeting people from all over the world and hearing their stories. She also went to California and worked as a nanny for a short time.
Rita loved her dog Marty and her cat Crackers. She also enjoyed gardening. Rita loved her family and taught her children to be good, responsible citizens. She taught them to work, which has been a blessing to them. She also loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was excited when they would come to visit her.
Rita moved to her place on the lake near Big Arm and enjoyed living there with her dogs and cat. She liked the beauty of the area and loved having a nice yard with lots of flowers. When her health began to fail, along with her eyesight, she moved to Ronan where family, especially her daughter Sharon, could care for her.
Rita had four wonderful friends who cared for her: Gloria Simon, Lorelei and Mike Murray, and Dave Funk.
Her parents; her brothers Richard, Roy, and Thomas Couture; her sister Regina Couture; her grandson Curtis Roy DePoe; granddaughter Keyera DePoe; daughter-in-law Sherryl Stiner DePoe; and Gusto Cannon, all preceded Rita in death.
Survivors include her children Debra (Rob Edwards), Robert Reginald DePoe Jr. (Becky), Frederick Allen DePoe, Carole (Tom Lankford), Corky Sias (Theresa), Sharon (Tony Earthboy), Charles Cannon (Jessica), Curtis Cannon (Shelly); her sisters Judy Phillips, Rhoda Whitehorse and brother Albert Couture (Butch); great aunt Helen Charlo (Ellen); her many grandchildren; great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson whom she hadn’t yet met.
Rita’s family and friends will miss her. A traditional wake, a Rosary and funeral have been held. Pallbearers were grandsons Daniel DePoe, Ricky DePoe, Robert McCrea, Spencer Sias, Cedric Earthboy, and Bradley Cannon. Honorary pallbearers are Robert R. DePoe III, Rodney DePoe, Shay Earthboy, Bradley McCrea, Chris McCrea, Craig McCrea, and Dave Funke. Cross bearer was Wynonna (Jennifer) Johnson.
Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: groganfuneralhome.com.
