Rita Pauline Midtgard lived a life defined by a restless spirit of adventure and an unwavering commitment to her family. She passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024, at the Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by the family she spent more than five decades nurturing. She was 73.
A resident of Montpelier, Ohio, Midtgard’s life was a tapestry of geographic shifts and professional pivots. From the industrial landscapes of Indiana and Ohio to the arid heat of Mesa, Arizona, she embraced change not as a challenge, but as an opportunity for discovery. Her journey was marked by a rare adaptability, evidenced by the 22 different homes she and her husband occupied while raising their children.
Born on July 15, 1952, in Knox, Indiana, to Lawrence and Florence (Manning) Long, Midtgard grew up with a foundation of Midwestern values that she carried with her across the country. She graduated from Reading High School, embarking on a life that would eventually span several states and a wide array of vocational callings.
A Legacy of Adaptability and Adventure
While many seek stability in a single location, Rita and her husband, Milton “Chris” Midtgard, found their stability in one another. Married on October 24, 1970, the couple shared a 55-year partnership characterized by a shared appetite for the unknown. Their life together was a series of chapters written in different zip codes, involving frequent travel, camping trips, and a nomadic approach to family life that instilled a sense of resilience in their children.
This penchant for movement was more than just a logistical necessity; it was a lifestyle. Moving 22 times during the formative years of their children’s lives required a level of organization and emotional strength that became a hallmark of Rita’s character. She was the anchor during these transitions, ensuring that while the scenery changed, the warmth and security of the home remained constant.
A Versatile Professional Journey
Midtgard’s professional life mirrored her personal appetite for variety. She did not adhere to a single career path, instead lending her skills to diverse sectors of the workforce. In Angola, Indiana, she worked at General Products, contributing to the region’s manufacturing strength. Later, she transitioned into the intimate and demanding world of early childhood education, serving as a daycare provider alongside her daughter.
Her professional versatility extended to the healthcare sector during the family’s time in the Southwest. While living in Mesa, Arizona, she worked at Banner Hospital, a role that required the same compassion and patience she applied to her family life. This progression—from manufacturing to childcare to clinical healthcare—underscored her ability to integrate into new environments and provide value regardless of the setting.
Family, Faith, and Simple Joys
Despite the scale of her travels, Rita’s heart remained centered on the intimate details of her loved ones’ lives. She found profound joy in the simple things: the flight of butterflies, the nostalgia of Shirley Temple, and the chaotic, rewarding energy of a growing family.
Her family network was extensive, reflecting a life spent building deep, lasting connections. She is survived by her husband, Chris; four children: Shannon (Molly) Midtgard of Warrensburg, Missouri; Brent (Melissa) Midtgard of Angola, Indiana; Teresa Whilock of Coldwater; and Sarah Bowers of Montgomery. Her legacy continues through seven grandchildren—Sabastian (Kanessa) Midtgard, Gabrielle Midtgard, Travis (Brianne) Scantlen, Tonisha (Jake Sawyer) Little, Traa (Emily) Little, Lilly Bowers, and Elijah Bowers—as well as ten great-grandchildren.
She also leaves behind three brothers: Larry (Linda) Long, Robert “Bob” (Sheila) Long, and Danny (Ann) Long, and numerous nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Edith Beem, and her brother Eddie Long.
| Year/Period | Event/Milestone | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Born July 15 | Knox, Indiana |
| 1970 | Married Milton “Chris” Midtgard | Ohio/Indiana Region |
| Various | Professional roles in Manufacturing, Childcare, and Healthcare | Angola, IN; Mesa, AZ |
| 2024 | Passed away May 8 | Defiance, Ohio |
Final Arrangements and Memorials
The Midtgard family has entrusted the final arrangements to the Eagle Funeral Home–George White Chapel in Reading. A private family interment will be held at Berg Cemetery in Montgomery, ensuring a quiet return to the earth in a place of ancestral connection.
In a reflection of her kindness toward all living things, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a humane society of the donor’s choice, rather than traditional floral tributes. This request ensures that Rita’s passing provides a second chance for animals in need, mirroring the care she provided to her own family and community throughout her 73 years.
A full celebration of life, intended to honor her adventurous spirit and the joy she brought to those around her, will be announced in the summer of 2024.
For those seeking further information or wishing to send condolences to the Midtgard family, official updates will be provided through the Eagle Funeral Home.
We invite readers to share their memories of Rita or offer condolences to the Midtgard family in the comments below.
