Rita Christine Soine
February 20, 1942 ~ February 23, 2022
Rita Christine Soine, age 80, passed away unexpectedly in her home on February 23, 2022.
Rita was born February 20, 1942, to Christian and Olga Williamson in Grafton, ND the youngest of four children. She graduated from Grafton High School and NDSU with a degree in Home Economics/FACS. Rita married Terry Soine on January 5, 1966. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Hearing Impairment from Montana State University. Rita worked as an educator in Alaska, Hope, ND, and Bagley, MN. She spent the majority of her teaching career in Thief River Falls, MN where she retired in 1999. Following her retirement from education, Terry and Rita started T&R Tree Nursery in Thief River Falls. They worked in the tree business for seven years until finding their dream space on Lake 610, near Cormorant Village.
Rita’s positive attitude and perpetual optimism lit up the room. She was the glue that held the gang together and a blessing to all who knew her. Rita gave big hugs and genuinely loved everyone she met. Rita’s husband, three children, and five grandchildren were her whole world, along with numerous special friends. Rita had a gift for entertaining and loved to host family and friend gatherings. She loved nature and anything outdoors, especially the lake and winters spent in Arizona and Mexico! She had never-ending energy and enjoyed anything active: gardening, cooking, hiking, running, kayaking, and Pilates were among her favorites. Rita also stayed active in her church community at Cormorant Lutheran.
Rita is survived by her husband of 55 years, Terry Soine, Pelican Rapids, MN, three children; Jessica (Matt) Filoon, Ashland, OR; Wade Soine, Lonsdale, MN; and Lucas (Terri) Soine, Mayville, ND, five grandchildren; Kennedi, Jenna, and Lauren Soine and Teagan and Rhys Filoon as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents Christian and Olga Williamson and her brother Obed Williamson.
“You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always by our side.”
A memorial service will occur June 17 at Cormorant Lutheran at 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will take place June 18 starting at 2 PM at their home.
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Tusen takk for gode minner sommaren 2018. Vi var so heldige å få oppleve Rita og resten av den amerikanske familien. Ho vil bli sårt sakna. Love from Ane Witherspoon family❤
Rita was a light of sunshine and a loving greeting when she saw you. Conversation and stories are what I will miss. She always wanted to know how YOU were doing and your family. Hugs when you saw her and hugs when she left. Joel and I are so sorry for your loss. She is there watching over ALL of you♥️
I can attest to feeling genuinely loved by Rita. We only met once, but I was completely taken in by her kindness, warmth, and yes, love. I’m holding you all firmly but gently in my heart.
Rita left a positive impression on everyone she met. She leaves this world a much better place.
RIP, Rita…Rejoice in Paradise.
So sorry to hear this. She was such a joy to know and will certainly be missed by all who knew her! My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family!
A beautiful soul who graciously shared her abundance of love with so many!!! I am grateful to be one who experienced her love so many times💞Terry, Jessica, Wade, Lucas and your families; I hold you in my heart as you adjust to life with her in Spirit and memories. May all the love you shared carry you through the challenging moments!!! With Love, Michelle😇🙏💕
Rita was an angel amount us! Blessings to her family!!
Rita was one of the kindest and most loving person I have known. My mom enjoyed talking with her whenever they would cross paths. My sincere sympathies go out to the Soine family.
So sorry to hear of Rita’s death. She was such a good friend to my sister, Arden Solheim. I enjoyed many visits with Rita when I was in Thief River. RIP Rita, and Rise in Glory.
What a wonderful lady and our kids remember her so well. We will all miss this hugs truly miss you at the Concordia Christmas concerts–love you. Dave & Carole
Terry and family,
We were so very saddened to learn of Rita’s passing. We are remembering her kindness and sincerity.
Cherish all of the wonderful memories and may they be a comfort to you, during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest sympathy.
We are so very saddened to read of Rita’s death. She was such a great friend when we lived in Thief River Falls. We spent a lot of time together. After learning of their move to the lake we had always of connecting again, but never did. You are in our thoughts. May your many memories comfort you today and in the years to come. God’s peace! Sending love and hugs.
Wonderful lady Always so kind and giving from the 💜 heart. I always loved when she saw you out and about always a big smile and hug. I’m sorry to hear of her passing I know she will be greatly missed! Love and hugs and prayers to you all ❤️
So sorry to hear about Rita’s passing. I had the privilege to work with Rita at Challenger Elementary in Thief River Falls and see at church. Such a ball of energy and kind woman. RIP RIta.
I taught with rita in warren. She was full of life. We had many good talks together. She will be missed..
Oh, my…Rita was one of the good people in the world! I’m pretty sure she is still smiling. Hugs to you, Terry, kids, and grandkids 💕. I’m so happy to know that Rita was such a regular light in your lives.
Terry and family, so sorry to hear about Rita. She was such a nice lady. May all your wonderful memories of her help you through this hard time. My sympathies to you.
Terri and family,
So very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She had a beautiful way of always making people feel welcomed and loved. Our deepest sympathy to all of you!
Sincerely, Brenda (Laidley) Marben
Rita was one of the most kind, loving and caring people I’ve ever known. She touched so many lives in the most unexpected ways. May her memory be blessed. My heart hurts for the family. Please know she was loved by many…
Lucas and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My condolences go out to you Terry and family. I just saw Rita’s obit , yes I do agree she was very special person, always had this catching smile with open arms, full of life. She immediately begin your friend. My last occurrence with Rita and Terry was a the bank I work at and they had stop at my desk and said they were moving onto a new adventure with positive thoughts. Bless them. May all your memories fill you with tears of joy.
Rita was a very special person and will be missed by all that knew her.
So very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She had a bright smile for everyone and anyone! A truly genuine and great lady. Our sincere condolences to Terry and family.
Eternal rest grant unto her and let perpetual light shine upon her. God’s blessings and peace upon her family. She is a sweetheart and will be missed but she left flowers and sunshine for us to remember and enjoy. Ross Weiler
Terry and family- sincere condolences to you.
Rita was a special, kind, loving woman, with a great sense of humor. She will very much be missed. Many at Trinity Lutheran in TRF are heartbroken.
Terry, May your memories bring you peace and the Lord wrap your family in his arms of comfort.
With love Cathy🎶 and Mark Hagen
Rita was a high flyer when it came to life as well as teaching. Fly high, Rita. Your impact on my life is immeasurable. 😘
Terry and family of Rita,
Our deepest condolences to your family at the sudden loss of you wife. Our prayers and thoughts
are with you all during this difficult time. Keep her memories alive.
So sorry to learn of your loss Terry and family. Life can change too quickly. Take care. You are all in my thoughts.
I didn’t know Rita well. She taught a community ed class for sign language. Her sheer exuberance and joy and love for teaching the class and working with children were so memorable. Terry was in the class as well and it was fun. A short encounter, but she made such a lasting impact…to say her name is to smile! I can only imagine what the celebration of her life will be like on June 18th. May the Lord comfort your hearts.
Sending all my prayers and hugs to you all as you try to navigate through this difficult time. Rita was such a joyous presence to absolutely EVERYONE and made each person in the room feel special. She was hilarious, had the best smile and chuckle and was my second mom for so many years growing up. I have so many wonderful memories of her. Heaven gained a beautiful angel. ❤️
Oh, Terry, we are so sorry to hear of Rita’s sudden passing. Sending hugs and love.
I enjoyed every minute I ever had with my “big cousin” Rita:
from riding in the truck cabin while Obie and Peter were loading hay bales, “slow down Rita” Obie would shout,
to jogging down the country roads with her.
She was always full of energy and always with the warmest smile on her face.
We’ll miss her dearly.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Terry and family, may you find comfort in God’s Word.