Rita Ann (Ellingson) Petersen, of Lilydale, MN, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023, surrounded by family members. Rita was born on August 28, 1948, to Lloyd and Harriet (Hellickson) Ellingson. Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Norman. She is survived by her loving husband Jim, her daughter Michelle (Joe) Sullivan, her son Wade, her grandchildren Winona and Joel, and grandpuppies Gnarley and Chloe. She is also survived by her sisters Diane Matheis and Roxanne (Dennis) Eckholm, her niece Jamacy, nephews Justin, Brent, and Mathew, great nephews Beckham, Lincoln, Jack, and many wonderful friends.