Mary Rita (Navarro) Hutchison, Mother, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend to many is now at rest with our heavenly father.  Rita passed away on Tuesday, March 09, 2022, at Continental Garden Health and Rehabilitation Center of Butte.

Rita was born on February 28, 1935 to Jose and Bruna (Baltierra) Navarro in Butte, Montana. Since it was winter and she was born at home, she was cradled in a box on the oven door!

She attended St. Mary's grade school and Butte High School. Often, she and her brother Ray would be late for school engrossed in a radio program by Lon Hughes – when his theme music came on at the end of the program, they knew they were late!

After high school she worked in the Health Care field and was a CNA at Warm Springs Hospital. Her mother called her "Christopher Columbus" because she was always out discovering the world. Rita was definitely a people person. Being kind, accepting and non-judgmental, she would draw you close and you would want to be around her. She was witty and had a keen sense of humor, always catching you off guard with her off-the-cuff remarks. She always had a great story of memory to share of friends and family.

She was an exceptional cook, especially Mexican dishes. All from scratch she made tortillas, rice, beans, enchiladas, tamales, posole and her specialty – Menudo! She and her sister-in-law Alice taught cooking classes at the YMCA. Their big dilemma was describing portions because their recipes included a bit of this, a pinch of that, how the dough felt and many taste tests.

Rita loved to dance to live music at the local clubs like the Aero and Victor Clubs. She loved animals and had many cats and dogs over the years.

After "discovering the world," she settled into family life and had a son Mark, a person gifted with great artistic talent.

Rita is survived by her brother Ray; son Mark and granddaughter Bo; Daniel Gonzalez (Sara) and granddaughters Alexis and Hailey; Barbara Gonzalez and grandchildren Chris and Sarah; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She joins her parents Jose and Bruna; siblings Paul, Harold, Henry, Richard, Eulojio, Concepcion, Trinidad, Josephine, Joseph, Mercedes, Rene; and son Henry (Hank).

The family wishes to thank the staff for their wonderful care at Continental Care and Rehab, ENCOMPASS, and her many friends at the Continental Gardens.

Friends may call on Saturday after 10:00 am in St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.