Rita Bercier

Rita Bercier

Rita Lila (Belisle) Bercier, the daughter of Joseph and Ethel (Ruelle) Belisle was born on July 31, 1929 in Bottineau, North Dakota. She died at the age of 85 years on Monday, February 9, 2015 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Rita was raised in the farm home of her parents in rural Willow City, North Dakota. She was the seventh of nine children and graduated from Notre Dame Academy. She completed her education at St. Andrew’s School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse. On November 20, 1954, Rita was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Bercier at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. John, North Dakota. The couple made their home in Glen Ullin for 18 months and later Mandan for 7 years, where she worked as an RN at the Mandan Hospital. In 1962, they moved to Rugby and Rita accepted a position with the Good Samaritan Hospital as a RN. The couple were blessed with nine children and she loved being a mother most of all and later grandmother and great grandmother. Richard died December 15, 1995.

Rita was very active in the organizations at Little Flower Parish including Catholic Daughters, Christian Mother’s, Eucharistic Ministry, the Liturgical committee and prayer chain. She was the “hostess with the mostest”, gave freely of her time and talents, always had an open door policy at her home with a meal at a moments notice. Coming from a family of nine and raising nine, she was never able to adjust to just cooking for one or two, it was for at least eight more or eight times the recipe, whichever she thought would be enough and if word got out that she was baking buns, you better be in line at the house. She had a shoulder for those to lean on, enjoyed visiting with friends…a trip to the store for a missing ingredient, usually took 45 minutes, and looked forward to quilting Monday’s with the ladies of First Lutheran.

Rita was a pivotal inspiration to her children and extended family members, a good listener and friend. Once you met her, things would never be the same, as she would take you right into her heart. God bless her memory and watch out Heaven, as things will never be the same.

Rita is survived by her children, Barbara Bercier and Jeffrey of Rugby, David (Karen Beth) & their children, Jonas, Tanner & Raleigh of Williston, Jane Ann (Richard) Leppard of Devils Lake, Monte (Gayle) and their children, Nichole & Chase of Spearfish, SD, Gary (Mary) of Williston, Karen (Anthony) Osterberg of Minot, Mark (Barbara Jean) of Black Hawk, SD and Dale (Angela) and their son, Mark James of Bottineau; 3 great-grandchildren; blessed with extended grand and great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers & sisters; and her parents.

Due to renovations at the Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with spring burial in the Little Flower Catholic Cemetery, Rugby. Father Tom Graner, Celebrant with Father Michael Schommer and Father Duane Cote, Concelebrants.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby with a rosary, vigil prayers and sharing of memories beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services on Saturday at the church in Towner.

Posted Condolences:

Dear Bercier Family

Your family has always been in my thoughts all these years, especially your Mother and Father, and I have great memories of the friendship I had with Dave many years ago.

Rita is one of the most kind persons I have known during my lifetime. I fondly remember all those Sunday mornings after church I would be invited into your home for breakfast with your family, I sincerely feel blessed to have known such a wonderful person like Rita.
God Bless all of you, Jerry Haugen-Evans, Bismarck, ND

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of another Angel. Her Kindness she gave to others will be missed. May the Lord hold her family in the palm of his hand at this time
Cheryl Holm

So sorry for the loss of your mother. I have known her for many years. She was one off a kind, gentle and kind. I remember her when she fought her other illness, what a trouper she was than. She is with Dick now and no more pain. Will keep you all in our thoughts and prayer. May God bless you all
Love from the Heils

I love you Grandma. Ill never forget all the great times we've had. I imagine you're hanging out with Grandpa, with marigold flowers all around, a huge garden and Katie and Van (puppy and kitty) keeping you company (of course with some joyous howling in the background.)
I will see you again one day and when I do, i'm glad you and Grandpa will be around to show me the ropes. I got to share some time with you before you passed away and that meant everything to me. Grandma, you are the most kind and beautiful person and anyone who knows you, knows that. How lucky am I that God brought our families together?
Love you forever Grandma. See you after awhile.
Shannon & Jared Auch

To the Bercier Family, My wife and I would like to share our deepest sympathy with you on the loss of your mom and our children's adopted grandma. We are so blessed to be a part of Rita and Dick and your lives. As a young couple starting out Jane Ann offered to baby sit our daughter and brought her home to meet Rita and Dick. Rita and Dick invited our daughter and soon to be born son into their lives. Grandpa Dick said grandma and Shannon became thick as thieves and was always welcome in their home. Grandma told her she had to eat a little bit of everything. Grandma Rita and Barbara honored us with their presence at her wedding this past summer. Grandma Rita will always be with us. Thank you sharing Rita and Dick with our family. Perry and Kari Kopp

My sympathy to the family.. Rita was a beautiful person..remember all the great fun times we had at Patrol gatherings....Your Dad teased her so much, but she could just laugh with the rest of us..she was an inspiration to me, always happy and a beUtiful smile...will be greatly missed...she is up in heaven trying to keep Richard in line !!! Bet he is overjoyed to have his special love there with him...blessings to you all.. Love, Darlene Peter

We have so many fond memories of times with Dick and Rita. We could always count on coffee and donuts that Rita could make so well. It was always a joy to watch her fuss over her family that she obviously loved so dearly. Our prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. What a blessing it has been for us to be included in your family for so many years.
Our love to you all.
Mick and Claudia McIntyre

We had so many fond memories throughout the years with Rita and her family. She was such an exceptional person and was always friendly and helpful. We always felt like we were with family when we visited her and with family members.
We watched the Bercier children grow up and the love and guidance they received from Richard and Rita.
Rita deserved to have beautiful words said about her and over her. We probably can't do that but we can say this " The world is less bright and more empty" with the passing of Rita. Rest in eternal peace Rita!
Howard & Lois Burns

My sincere condolences to all of you. You have lost a very beautiful mother. I am so glad I got the opportunity to know Rita. She truly is one of Gods angels. From the first time I stepped into the doors of her home, never once did I feel unwelcomed. She was So loving and kind and she made me feel like I was part of the family. God Bless all of you!!
Sis Eisenzimmer

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