Rita (Howard) Pulliam

Rita (Howard) Pulliam, 77, in the arms of angels, was delivered to the Lord on March 17, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born on Sept. 19, 1938, in Galt, Calif., to Harold and Addie Howard. She was the youngest of four children.

Rita grew up in Lockford, Calif., graduating from Lodi High School. Her summers were spent fishing and swimming in the rivers of California alongside her siblings. Her devotion to animals began at a young age, bringing home a fawn and nursing it back to health.

In 1956, she met her life partner of nearly 60 years, Jack. They were married in 1958. In 1961, they moved to Montana to begin their life together. To this union, three daughters were born.

Mom had the gift of love and compassion that spread to those around her, always selfless and true. The passion Mom had for animals was only surpassed by her commitment and love for family. She was gentle by nature, yet the Mama Bear in her would arise to protect the ones she loved. Faith and devotion to the Lord Jesus guided her through her life, granting her the power of forgiveness and unconditional love.

Rita was never one to call attention to herself, but with her striking beauty and grace, it was hard not to be drawn to her.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; three daughters, Janet (Matt) Caudill, Jacque (Dex) Eaton, Jilene Pulliam and stepdaughter Vicki (Clark) of California; brother Tom Howard; sister Barbara (Rae McCoy); five grandsons, Matt (Kori) Caudill, Dexter Caudill, Andrew (Terra) Eaton, Branden and Colby Eaton; great-granddaughters Brooklyn and London Caudill; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Harold and Addie Howard, and sister Janet Wyatt.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Burial will follow in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

"Forever in our hearts, may the angels sing to you in heaven."

Forever loving you, my beautiful wife, until we meet again! - Jack