Rita Marie Severa

Rita Marie Severa, age 93, passed away on February 20, 2024, in her home with care from her daughter, Luann, and Auburn Crest Hospice.

Rita was born on January 15, 1931, to Jewel and Angie Keen in Buhl, Idaho. She was the oldest of 4 kids and grew up in Buhl where her parents farmed. Rita went to school at Deep Creek School and graduated from Castleford High School in 1949.

Upon graduation, Rita worked at Shields Warehouse as a secretary. During that time, she married her high school sweetheart, John Severa, on July 25, 1952, while he was home on leave from the service. They were married 57 years, and were members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Rita had many other jobs. She was a school bus driver for Immaculate Conception School, hot lunchroom cook for Castleford School District, and was employed at Green Giant and Cal Flint Floral until retirement. Her favorite work activity for many years was at Weight Watchers, where she enjoyed meeting and encouraging others to meet their goals.

John and Rita owned a farm outside of Buhl where they grew crops and owned milk cows with the help of their four children. Upon John’s retirement, they sold the farm and moved into a house in Buhl. Rita and John enjoyed camping and traveling with family. Rita enjoyed gardening all her flowers in her yard and feeding the birds and squirrels. She enjoyed reading books, crocheting, and going swimming at Miracle Hot Springs every week with her sister, Arline, and her son, Richard. 

Rita never missed a birthday or special occasion, providing loving guidance and always being proud of her family. She loved it when grandkids and great grandkids never missed a chance to spend time with Grandma Rita. 

Rita is survived by her four children, Linda (Ralph) Keeney, Robert (Tammy) Severa, Richard Severa and Luann (Rob) Kaes; grandkids, Amy (Jason) Taylor, Tony (Ineka) Severa, Christopher Keeney, Abbie (Matt) Quesnell, Ashley and Amaya Studer, and Luke Kaes; and 11 great grandkids. She is also survived by her sister, Arline Puschel; brother, Lonny Keen; many nieces and nephews; and her faithful and loving dog, Cinch.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Jewel and Angie Keen; brother, Elroy Keen; daughter-in-law, Tammy Severa; and grandson, Jake Kaes.

Mom will be greatly missed for her willingness to always be there to listen, give hugs, share ideas, fun experiences, her sweet potato dish and her dirt cake at holidays, her love for birds and flowers, fishing and camping, traveling, and the welcome feeling that we always felt. 

We Love you Mom/Grandma Rita!

Special Thanks to Dr. Brian Fortuin and Auburn Crest Home Heath and Hospice for your care.

A viewing will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am, with a Rosary beginning at 10:30 am, and Funeral Mass following at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1701 Poplar Street, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Rita's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.