Rachel D. Connell

She was a 1964 graduate of Wyoming Park High School, where she played clarinet in the band, had acting roles in plays and, as you can imagine, went on to organize class reunions. She was a Wyoming girl to the core.

Rachel was a master of collecting and storing information regarding the history of her beloved city of Wyoming. During her career at McShane and Bowie PLC, she managed important legal documentation and served as the firm’s historian.

Rachel would throw herself into things - her work, her wonderful home, gardens and pool, or any of the events in which she found herself. Rachel served as co-chair of prime events for the Grand Opening of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and subsequent Celebration on the Grand Events. She loved music of all kinds but had a special affection for Wayne Newton. They befriended each other in 1968 in Las Vegas. Rachel went on to, at Wayne’s request, reconstitute his fan club to a nationwide organization.

Rachel was an animal lover. She fed the birds and squirrels and the occasional raccoon that would show up on her deck. The animal friends she loved the most are her cats: Charlie, Lila, Slats, and Midnight.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents Raymond E. Ritz and Eleanor Ruth (Cook) Ritz. She leaves behind her brother, George R. Ritz, who will miss her dearly.

All memorial donations may be directed to Lake Haven Rescue, 551 Pickeral Lake Dr., Newaygo MI 49337.

A memorial service for Rachel is to be held at her home on May 22, 2021 with further information to be provided at a later date. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.