Rita M. Wentz

Rita Marie Wentz (née Jairell), 60, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on June 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 31, 1966, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Norman and Susan Jairell, where she was also raised.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and compassion touched countless lives. On November 2, 1991, she married the love of her life, Gary T. Wentz, and together they built a family centered on love, service, and unwavering support for one another.

A faithful Jehovah’s Witness, Rita spent many years serving as a pioneer and was deeply committed to helping others. She had a remarkable gift for meeting people where they were in life, loving them without judgment, and helping them see the good in themselves. Through her kindness, encouragement, and genuine care, she inspired others to grow and become the best version of themselves. She never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own and was happiest when caring for the people she loved.

Rita loved her family deeply and showed up for them in every way she could. She shared especially close bonds with her parents and siblings, cherishing frequent visits, daily phone calls, family trips, and the many moments they spent together over the years. She was a steady presence in their lives and a consistent source of love and support.

She also cherished her early years and often spoke fondly of the time she spent in Maine when she was young. Rita especially loved her Mustang Fastback, a car that brought her joy and remained a cherished memory throughout her life.

Rita had a special love for her animals, especially her dogs. Her pit bulls were family to her, including her late beloved Piper, as well as Jax and Bella. She loved all animals, though mice and birds were never quite her favorite—especially birds, which she firmly believed had once staged a personal attack against her, and mice, which she preferred to keep as far away from as possible.

Above all else, Rita cherished her children and grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater joy than being with them. She rarely missed a game, recital, performance, or activity, proudly following them through every stage of life and cheering them on at every opportunity. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she often reminded them that she loved them “to the moon and back.”

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Gary T. Wentz; her daughter, Elizabeth Morgan and husband Miles Morgan, and their daughter Ashlie; her son, Justin T. Wentz and wife Ruby Wentz, and their children Jaelynn, Kathrynn, and Bryson; and her daughter Adrienne Brown and husband Travis Brown, and their children Hannah, Haylyn, Hudson, Haylee, and Hayden; also by her mother-in-law, Lavonna Wentz.

She is also survived by her parents, Norman and Susan Jairell; her sister, Dawna Rae Jairell and her children Nick and wife Madie Armijo and their new baby Baxter, and Treyven Jairell; her sister, Denise Jairell and her children Dylan and wife Emily Lopez; and her brother, Robert Jairell and Stephanie Morgans, and Robert’s children Makyna and Hadley; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her grandparents, Georgianna Elizabeth and Robert Clayton Jairell, and her maternal grandmother, Helen Cotton.

Those who knew Rita will remember her for the way she made people feel seen, valued, and loved. She had a gift for turning ordinary moments into meaningful ones, whether through a heartfelt conversation, a word of encouragement, or simply showing up when someone needed her most. She lived in the moment and always showed up. Her love was unconditional; her heart was generous, and her presence brought comfort, warmth, and laughter to those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, the example she set and the love she shared will continue to live on through the family and friends she cherished so dearly.

The family finds comfort in the love and support of family and friends, as well as God’s promises for the future. Until we meet again…

Revelation 21:3-4 – “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more…”

We love you to the moon and back!

A memorial service celebrating Rita’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper, Wyoming. A reception will follow at a separate location. Purple was Rita’s favorite color, and the family invites everyone to wear a touch of purple in her memory. 

To share a memory of Rita or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.