Rita grew up in St. Ignace and graduated from LaSalle High School. She was a proud member of Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She was also a member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church where she married the love of her life, David in 1960. Together they traveled to the lower peninsula to find work and start a family. Rita worked for Sparrow Hospital for over 20 years. She retired in 2003. Her and Dave spent their winters in Arizona where they made many dear friends. Rita was a loyal friend who loved people. She enjoyed gardening, travel, dancing, and had a passion for genealogy.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David; parents, John and Margaret; and sister, Margaret (Muggs) Dodson. She is survived by her sons, Bob (Ronda) Holtham of Eaton Rapids, Chris (Kristine) Holtham of Lansing, Matt (Lynn) Holtham of Corunna, and Damon (Angie) Holtham of Muskegon; Grandchildren, Autumn, Matthew, Jamie (Connor), Joshua, Nicholas, Amanda, and Bailey; great grandkids, Raelynn, Benjamin, Jensen, Rylee, and Paige; siblings, John (Theresa) Robinson, Phillip (Bambi) Robinson; and lots of nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in DeWitt, Tuesday, March 15th from 4-7 with a Funeral Service, March 16 at 11am at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish 102 W. Randolf 48906 with a 1 hour prior visitation at 10am. A private burial service will be held later this summer in St. Ignace.
Serving as pall bearers are Matthew Holtham, Joshua Holtham, Connor Bartlett, Luke Holtham, Lance Holtham, and Scott Bailey.
Donations can be made in her name to the St. Vincents de Paul food pantry at St. Therese.
