Rita Bjorge, age 75, of Beaulieu, MN, died unexpectedly, on Monday, December 9, 2019 at her home.

Rita Leone LaVoy was born May 8, 1944, in White Earth, MN, the daughter of Sidney and Gerda (Nordberg) LaVoy.  She attended elementary school in Naytahwaush, MN, followed by high school in Mahnomen, MN.  As a young lady, Rita entered the workforce at the Rodwell Nursing Home east of Mahnomen.  On September 17, 1966, Rita was united in marriage to Byron Bjorge.  The couple made their home in Mahnomen where they raised their family.  Over the years, Rita worked countless hours waitressing, cooking and bartending.  She began cooking at St. Michael's School, then tried her hand at the Sewing Factory but returned to cooking.  Rita was a wonderful cook and loved to cook for numbers large or small.  Many years were spent cooking for the RTC before switching to a prep cook at the Shooting Star Casino.  Byron died in 2000 and Rita entered retirement thereafter.  She continued to keep busy cooking for her family and friends and found companionship with Bob Beaulieu for several years until his death in 2012.

When Rita wasn't in the kitchen, she could be found playing Solitaire, watching Judge Judy or listening to music, usually CCR or Elvis.  She was a local Legionnaire Member and her and Byron were founding members of the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club.  In addition to her love of cooking and baking, Rita also loved gardening.  Not only large vegetable gardens but she also had flower beds to tend.  Each year her garden would produce a bountiful harvest that would turn into the best homemade salsa and many quarts of pickles.  Rita was known for her wonderful Wild Rice Soup, Banana Cream Pie,  and Fry Bread.  Although she passed on some of her recipes and talents to her children, those signature dishes will never be the same.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Rita is survived by two daughters, Ruth (Tom) McArthur of Naytahwaush, and Brenda Hanson of Mahnomen; three sons: Larry Nattress, Bob (Jackie) Bjorge, both of Mahnomen and Roy (Melissa) Bjorge of Roy Lake, MN; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; mother, Gerda LaVoy of Mahnomen; one sister, Ruth Foss of Naytahwaush; three brothers: John (Ann) LaVoy of Naytahwaush, Sidney LaVoy of Hayward, WI, and Roy (Betsy) LaVoy also of Naytahwaush; several nieces, nephews,  cousins, and her wonderful canine companions, Sam and Precious.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sidney; husband, Byron; son, Byron Bjorge Jr.; son-in-law, Harley Hanson; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Ted LaGue; and brother-in-law, Leonard Foss.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.  A time of gathering will be held one hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will be held in First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.