Rita J. Ward, 78, of Rapid City, died Sat, Apr 15, 2000, at her home.
Rita was born in Manistee on Sep 19, 1921, to William and Susan Saile Ward. She moved to Kalkaska County 30 years ago from Grand Rapids.
She was a member of St. Mary of the Wood's Catholic Church, Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources, the Kalkaska Republican Party, and North Country Hospice.
Surviving are son David of Comstock Park; sisters, Clarice Chapman and Phyllis Mellentine, both of Lansing, and Marge Juell and Mary Rose Bates both of Grand Rapids; sisters in law, Kay Ward of Lansing and Loretta Ward of Traverse City; grandchildren Sara Ward of Albany, NY, and Andrea (mark Madrilego) Ward of Grand Rapids; and her longtime friend and companion Claude Lumbert.
Three brothers preceded her in death.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Apr 19 at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church; Fr Jim Holtz was celebrant.
A wake service was Apr 18 at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Make A Wish Foundation.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
