Rita Marie Mathe, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at The Villa at West Branch surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 4, 1950, in West Branch, MI to Norman and Harriet (Osborne) Farley. She lived in West Branch her entire life.
Rita graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School in 1969, got married and raised her family. She was a Girl Scout and a Detroit Tigers fan. She spent her summer months watching the Little League ball teams play from the view of her apartment balcony at the High Rise. Rita loved her family and grandchildren and spending time with them was a very special thing for her. She enjoyed baking at Christmas time, her friends at Walmart and being retired.
Rita is survived by her children Frank Mathe of Detroit, MI, Dawn (Bob) Parker of Grand Rapids, MI, and Christine (Tim) Killinger of West Branch; grandchildren Ryan Mathe, Christina Mathe, Robyn (Josh) Wilson, RJ Merkler, Mackenzie Parker, Danny Parker, Lauren Parker, Kevin (Alison) Killinger, Krystian (Josh) Augustat, Trevor Killinger, Isabella Huizar (Brendyn), and Cayla (Ky) Buhlman; great grandchildren Harper, Ava, Haylee, Brody, and Theo; sisters Donna Cushman of Sears, MI, Judy (Jim) Dunn of West Branch, and Sharon (Art) Buck of West Branch; and several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to two girls her “Bay City” care team.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Margaret Farley, brother Ralph Farley, and great grandson William Parker.
The funeral service will be at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Tom Teall will officiate. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
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