Ellen Rita Vreeland

Ellen Rita Vreeland, known to family and friends as Rita, passed away on October 2, 2026, in White Lake, Michigan, at the age of 102. Born on January 18, 1924, in Ottawa, Illinois, she lived a long and full life marked by devotion to her family, steadfast faith, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Rita was the beloved wife of the late James E. Vreeland, with whom she shared a marriage that began on October 25, 1947. Their love story began in Miami, Florida, where Rita moved in her early 20s after deciding she did not want to remain a farm girl in Grundy County, Illinois. It was there that she met James, who was stationed in Miami during the war. Their romance continued even after James returned to Flat Rock, Michigan, following the war, and Rita soon followed him. Together, they built a life filled with love, resilience, and many cherished memories.

She was the devoted mother of Cynthia Robinette, Sally Matthews (Mike), Patrick Vreeland (Nancy), and Mary Vreeland. Rita was a proud grandmother to Andy Maczuga (Mara), Jaime Robinette (Brianna), Courtney Summerford (Ian), Claudia Robinette, Ashley Witherspoon (Robert), Lindsay Dersa (Craig), and Melanie Hoyt (Sam). She also treasured her great-grandchildren, Hayden Maczuga, Addison Witherspoon, Cooper Dersa, Thomas Witherspoon, Samantha Hoyt, Brady Dersa, Charlotte Hoyt, Lillian Dersa, and Madelyn Hoyt. Her family was the center of her life, and she loved them deeply and unconditionally.

Rita was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mae Ragan and the sister of the late Robert Ragan. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Prindiville. Family ties meant everything to Rita, and she carried those bonds with her throughout her life. She was known as a kind, caring, and loving person whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her.

Rita attended St. Angela's Academy and graduated on June 7, 1942. She carried the values of her education into her adult life, approaching each chapter with determination, grace, and a strong work ethic. She spent 25 years working in the accounts payable department at Hudson's, where she was respected for her reliability and pride in her work. Even after that long career, Rita did not truly retire. She later worked for Hallmark, arranging cards and displays well into her 90s, continuing to take great pride in everything she did.

Rita and Jim later moved from Dearborn, Michigan to Boynton Beach, Florida, where they lived for 40 years. She embraced life in Florida with energy and enthusiasm, especially enjoying golf, shopping, traveling, cooking, entertaining, and decorating for the holidays. She loved to create a welcoming home and found joy in making special occasions memorable for those she loved. Golf became one of her favorite pastimes, and she played well into her 90s. During those years, she achieved two holes in one, a reflection of both her skill and her remarkable spirit.

A woman of Christian faith, Rita lived with deep trust in God and a heart full of gratitude. Her faith sustained her through life’s changes, and she met each season with strength and adaptability. She saw many changes over the course of her long life and embraced them with grace. She was active on Facebook right up until the end, staying connected to the people and world around her with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Rita will be remembered most for her kindness, her loving nature, and the faith that guided her life. She was adventurous, strong, and deeply devoted to her family. Her life was a beautiful example of perseverance, love, and joy. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, her sense of humor, and the many ways she made life brighter for others.