Rita Marjorie Hanson

Rita Marjorie “Margie” Hanson, 82, passed away peacefully after a gradual decline in health. She was born on July 7, 1943, in Slayton, MN to Clement and Genevieve Smith and was raised on the family farm in Fulda, MN, and graduated from Fulda High School.

Margie later moved to Longmont, where she met the love of her life, Arthur “Art” Hanson, while bowling. The two were united in marriage on August 28, 1965, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Together they built a life centered on faith and family.

In 1967, Margie and Art settled in Northglenn, where they became founding members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. In their younger years they were avid square dancers. They later developed a love for camping and created many cherished memories with their family traveling on vacations.

Margie’s working life reflected her dedication and warmth. She worked in banking for a time, and then transitioned to serve as a volunteer librarian assistant at Malley and Tarver Elementary Schools, while raising her two children. She eventually returned to work: as a receptionist for Evans Photography, at KeyBank, and finally at Wagner Equipment, where she remained 17 years before retiring.

A naturally social and engaged person, Margie was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi—a women's sorority—since 1978. She served as President and Vice President, among numerous other leadership roles. Her dedication was also recognized with many honors, including Order of the Rose, Valentine Queen, and Woman of the Year.

Following retirement, Margie and Art embraced their love of Colorado, spending their summers camping. They joined the Hi-Country Campers around 2010, where Margie again served as President, and volunteered on FCRV Campvention committees.

Margie is survived by her husband, Art Hanson; her children, Mark and Indira Hanson of Aurora, CO; and Kristine Hanson (Lull) of San Tan Valley, AZ; and her beloved grandchildren, Hunter and Sophie Lull of Longmont, CO; and Autumn Lull of Tempe, AZ; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clement and Genevieve Smith; her sisters, Mary Alice Jorgensen, Georgia Mae Loe, and Carolyn Stapleton; and her brother, Owen Smith.

Margie’s health began to decline in the fall of 2022. In May 2024, she moved into memory care, where she was known for her warm smile and joyful spirit. She spent her final days at Bonaventure Senior Living, surrounded by compassionate caregivers, who remember her as someone who was always smiling and happy to participate in activities.

A memorial Rosary will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Northglenn, CO on Wednesday, April 8th at 10:30am with a memorial mass to follow. Margie's family would like to extend an invite to stay for a reception at Immaculate Heart of Mary immediately following the end of mass. The committal service will be at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229 on Wednesday, April 8th at 2pm.