Rita Pauline Midtgard, 73, of Montpelier, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.
A celebration of life will be announced in the summer of 2026. Private family interment will be held at Berg Cemetery in Montgomery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home–George White Chapel in Reading.
She was born July 15, 1952 in Knox, Indiana to Lawrence and Florence (Manning) Long. Rita married Milton “Chris” Midtgard October 24, 1970, and he survives.
Rita graduated from Reading High School. Over the years, Rita held a variety of jobs including working at General Products in Angola, working as a daycare provider with her daughter, and working in health care at Banner Hospital while living in Mesa, Arizona.
Rita and Chris were always up for an adventure, including traveling, camping, and moving 22 times while their children were growing up. She loved butterflies, Shirley Temple, and time with her beloved family.
In addition to her husband of 55 years, Chris Midtgard, Rita is survived by four children, Shannon (Molly) Midtgard of Warrensburg, Missouri, Brent (Melissa) Midtgard of Angola, Indiana, Teresa Whilock of Coldwater, and Sarah Bowers of Montgomery; seven grandchildren, Sabastian (Kanessa) Midtgard, Gabrielle Midtgard, Travis (Brianne) Scantlen, Tonisha (Jake Sawyer) Little, Traa (Emily) Little, Lilly Bowers, and Elijah Bowers; ten great-grandchildren; three brothers, Larry (Linda) Long, Robert “Bob” (Sheila) Long, and Danny (Ann) Long; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Edith Beem; and one brother, Eddie Long.
Memorial contributions are suggested to a humane society of the donor’s choice.
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