A force of nature, a gifted fundraiser, and a devoted friend and cousin, Rita brought sparkle to everything she did.
A graduate of Central Michigan University, Rita spent almost three decades in the non-profit sector, where she turned fundraising into an art form. At JDRF, now Breakthrough T1D, her vision and energy helped raise more than $25 million for type 1 diabetes research through the JDRF One Walk. She later brought that same passion to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you really knew Rita, though, you knew she loved a good party. Whether running a national event for thousands or hosting the people she loved, Rita brought the bling and was the life of every room she walked into. At home, she adored animals, spoiled her pets, and baked cupcakes that friends and family still talk about.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Susan and David Combest. She is survived by her cousins, who were like siblings to her, and by many devoted friends and family who will forever miss her bright spirit and generous heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan, with a funeral service to begin at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rita’s memory to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) using link: http://www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/ritacombest
