Rita Belle Bracha

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Rita B. Bracha, 88, announce her passing on Saturday, January 31st, 2026 in Skyline Heights Nursing Home in Billings while her family was by her side. She was born December 26, 1937 in Valentine, Nebraska the daughter of Eugene and Mildred (Coleman) Cooper.

Mom and Dad were married in Pierre, SD on February 15, 1954. They moved to Ryegate in 1957 where they made their home and raised their children. She along with her husband Earl, owned and operated Bracha's garage and body shop. From 1970 thru 1986 they also drove the school bus there in Ryegate.

Rita wore many hats throughout her life in Ryegate. She enjoyed cooking, canning and taking care of the many strays that showed up at the house, both 2 and 4 legged. One of her favorite things was riding her horse and hunting in the Castle Mountains with her family. She always had a hot cup of coffee or a cold beer for anyone stopping by for a visit. She also enjoyed painting and various paintings are still on display for us to enjoy.

She is survived by four sons: Earl Jr. (Gladys) of Moore, MT, Steve of Ryegate, MT, Tom (Annette) of Manhattan, MT and Marty (Nancy) of Moore, MT; one daughter Cheryl (David) Clifton of Billings, MT; two sisters Sally Herman and Janice Adair both of Mission, South Dakota; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl in 2012, her parents, Christopher Bracha (grandson), Tasha Conway(granddaughter), Bella Conway(great-granddaughter), Daniel Cooper, Tom Cooper(brothers), Iva Fernen, Ava Grimshaw and Patsy Kindle (sisters).

A Celebration of Life for Rita B. Bracha will be Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Mathias Catholic Church in Ryegate with reception to follow. Cremation has taken place with committal next to her husband in Resurrection Cemetery in Ryegate.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the charity of their choice, and they may be left with the Perkins Funeral Home, PO Box 313 Harlowton, MT 59036. Condolences for the family may be posted on-line at www.perkinsfuneralandcremation.com