Mrs. Rita Rae Ullmann, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at Walworth County Care Center in Timber Lake, S.D., surrounded by the love of her family on June 16, 2026.
Services will be held at Family Worship Center in Mobridge, S.D., on July 31 at 10 a.m., followed by her burial at Hunt Family Cemetery in Eagle Butte, S.D.
Born on May 30, 1941, in Kalispell, Mont., to Dallas F. and Margaret Fay Eklund, Rita grew up in the Flathead Valley area before marrying in 1958, raising three children in South Dakota, and embracing ranch life.
She then married William “Bill” Ullmann Jr., and together they had two more children.
Rita and Bill spent 10 years building a sailboat in South Dakota before setting sail with their two kids on a four-year adventure in 1992. They moved back to South Dakota for the children to finish high school, then Rita and Bill moved to Pocomoke City, where they kept the sailboat.
Rita returned to active participation in the Eastern Star and became a dedicated leader on the board of directors of the Costen House Museum, making many dear friends along the way. Despite the miles, she frequently visited family in Montana and South Dakota.
After Bill’s passing in 2015, Rita continued to be involved in Pocomoke City activities until she eventually moved back to South Dakota in 2024 with her dog, Charlie, and her cat, Tigger. Although based in South Dakota, she kept in great touch with friends and family with visits or encouraging words on Facebook.
Rita’s greatest gift was her love and encouragement for others. She is remembered for her strength, adventurous spirit, community service, and unwavering love for family and all those around her.
Rita is survived by her children: Debbie McAdams (Jeff Verworn), of Columbia Falls, Mont., Dallas Schott (Liana Durocher), of McLaughlin, S.D., Joyce Mulloy (Jim), of Timber Lake, Holly Lewis (Steve), of Bloxom, John Ullmann (Amy), of Pierre, S.D., and Angie Ullmann (Tim Tucker), of St. Augustine, Fla.; her brother, Brian Eklund, of Kalispell; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to count.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ullmann; her parents, Dallas and Fae Eklund; and her sisters, Donna Keller and Marti Elletson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Costen House Museum, P.O. Box 430, Pocomoke City, MD 21851.
Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge is serving the family.
Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.keslingfuneralhome.net
