Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Rita’s in Bellevue is clearing out for good

Second-hand store operated for 35 years


By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

For 35 years, 80-year-old Rita Hurst operated a thrift store at 108 N. Second Ave. in Bellevue. Five years ago, she shut her doors temporarily to care for her dying husband.

When she tried to open again, she found that it was illegal to do so.

"The only reason I was here is because I was grandfathered in," she said last week. "I got started before all these laws were in place. It's zoned residential on this side of the street."

Last week, Hurst decided to sell everything she still owned from her days as a second-hand store owner, posting signs around town.

"I am not open for business. I just want people to know they can come and take a look if they want to. I have a lot of antique glass," she said.

Rita married a cowboy named Arthur Hurst in 1954 and they were together for 51 years, running the Wade logging business until he went to fight in World War II, where he earned the Silver Star for his heroics during the Battle of the Bulge.

They sold the logging business and Rita worked for 20 years at the Silver Dollar Café, where her baked goods became legend. She was honored in the 2009 Heritage Court and hosted more than 33 fundraisers for people in need.

These days, she's selling her collection of collectibles in order to stay comfortable during her golden years.

"I live on a little over $1,000 per month," she said.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com




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