Rita Wigington

A memorial service for Rita Wigington, of Chadron, Nebraska, will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, Nebraska. A burial will follow at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Rita Wigington of Chadron, Nebraska passed away at Chadron Community Hospital on July 1, 2021, with family and friends by her side, at the age of 82. Rita was born Rita Louise Justus on January 2, 1939, in Huron, South Dakota to Vernon and Zelda Justus. She graduated from Huron High School where, among her many activities, she was the Head Drum Majorette leading the Huron High School marching band in many parades and competitions. She later attended Huron College. Rita was an accomplished dancer and competed in dance competitions throughout the Midwest. Later she turned her talents to dance instruction and chorography. Her passion for dance remained with her throughout her life. In 1960 Rita was married to William (Bill) Wigington, who, after his discharge from active duty in the United States Air Force, was employed by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in Huron. In 1961 a son Kyle was born and in 1964 daughter Kayleen followed. In 1969 the family moved from Huron to Chadron, Nebraska where Rita resided until her death. During her life Rita was involved with a multitude of interests and activities. She remained connected with her dance background by serving as a pageant coach and judge in competitions held throughout the Nebraska panhandle. Rita was also an avid and accomplished bowler participating in numerous state and national tournaments throughout the years. Rita will be remembered most for being a loving wife, the best mother two children could ever wish for, the personification of what a grandmother should be to two grandsons, and the greatest sister that could be imagined. Besides her devotion to family, she was a fierce, fun, and devoted friend to all that were lucky enough to have called her friend. Rita is survived by her husband of 61 years William (Bill) Wigington of Chadron, Nebraska, son Kyle Wigington (Sherry) of Concan, Texas, daughter Kayleen Krolikowski (Dan) of Deadwood, South Dakota, sister Barb McKichan of Chadron, Nebraska, grandson Dustin Hall of Deadwood, South Dakota, grandson Kit Wigington of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and niece Lisa Hastings of Rapid City, South Dakota.