Rita Alice Williams' Obituary
Rita Alice Williams, 81, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Golden Years Homestead, Fort Wayne. Born in Bad Axe, Michigan to the late Charles and Rose (Rice) Matelski. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Haven. She retired as a presser from Bennett’s Clothing in New Haven with over 20 years of service. Among Rita’s many loves were gardening, flowers, backyard games, cooking, canning, bingo, and most of all spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Alvin) Bowers of Monroeville and Dawn Shelpman of Stroh; siblings, Richard, Mary, and Delores Matelski, Irene Strozeski, and Michalene Champagne; grandchildren, Heidi (Tony) Jacobs, William (Natasha) Shelpman, Casey Bowers, Adam (Justin Brock) Shelpman, and Jami (Brock) Hatlevig; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ervin in 2006; and siblings, Margie Harris, Josephine Reehl, Beatrice Dobson, George and Leonard Matelski. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 943 Powers St., New Haven with visitations half hour prior to service. Father Bill Sullivan officiating. Visitation is also 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven with prayer vigil at 3:45 p.m. Burial in the church cemetery. Preferred memorials are to St. John’s Rosary Sodality. To share online condolences, go to www.harperfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?
