Rita M. Block

Whether cooking in her kitchen, completing chores on the farm, or showing love to the family she adored, Rita Block did it all with a grace all her own. She wasn't afraid of hard work, yet carried herself with class through her easy-going nature. Above all, family was her top priority, and her legacy continues through the wonderful and loving example she was as a devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, and faithful friend. From fashion to politics, the Roaring Twenties produced one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of happiness filled the air, but William and Olivia (Schumacher) Halfmann of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan had much to celebrate on August 3, 1923 when they welcomed the birth of their baby girl, Rita. Although Rita was born in Mt. Pleasant, she mostly grew up in the small, close knit community of Beal City, Michigan alongside her large family. There was never a lack of anyone to play with, as Rita was the fifth of nine children which included siblings, Eileen, Vada, William, Leona, Ann, Esther, Betty, and Jerry. Her father supported their family as a carpenter, and her mother looked after their household and served as a local mid-wife. Even with the struggles of the Great Depression during Rita's youth, she experienced a childhood typical of the times. She attended a one-room country schoolhouse on M-20 and Nottawa Road which always brought back warm memories. Like many young girls, Rita had hopes for the future, and becoming a young woman meant times shared with friends and new adventures. There was a young man, however, who caught her attention. Quite smitten, she and Stanley Block met while attending a dance in town which was only the beginning of many more memorable times together. On December 1, 1945, she and Stanley exchanged vows of marriage at St. Philomena Church in Beal City, and she could not have been happier. After settling into married life, Rita and Stanley began a family of their own. Five children graced their lives with the births of Connie, Michael, Kathy, Blaine, and Pam. Rita was a very kind, loving mother. She gave her time and attention to her children, and through quiet faith, she set a fine example of all a loving mother could be. Always happy and with a joyful heart, Rita made a good home for Stanley and the kids. She was famous for her homemade noodles, and made delicious meals for her family to enjoy. Rita was a lifelong member of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City where the Block's made their home. A master of multitasking, Rita was a dedicated homemaker and also worked on their family dairy farm. In fact, until the age of 80, she could be found milking the cows. Rita was the type of woman who could cook, bake, farm, and watch children without giving it a second thought, and she did it all exceptionally well. Holidays were always a special time at Stanley and Rita's home where memorable times were shared, and where she always made it seem like, "daylight in the swamp!", one of her favorite phrases. Rita was a very classy woman, and her optimistic demeanor and easy-going ways surely helped her youthful appearance. Rita could go from being covered in manure to looking like a million bucks in five minutes. Always full of energy, she loved working on the farm and taking care of the family she loved. In her free time, she enjoyed dancing, and watching Lawrence Welk and Dancing with the Stars. Rita and Stanley took to traveling over the years, and visited all the states with the exception of Hawaii. They went to Europe twice, and even visited Scandinavia. Quite a "lady in red", she was fond of her favorite color, but it was nothing compared to the kaleidoscope of color she brought to the lives of those who loved and cared for her. People were drawn to Rita's side in countless ways, and thoroughly enjoyed her company. Thoughts of Rita will always bring sweet memories of a woman who was dearly loved. With her family by her side and the life of farming she loved, Rita was given the best of blessings and joy, and would not have wanted it any other way. These things and more are her continued legacy which will be long remembered. At the age of 89, Rita Block, of Beal City, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the Prestige Center in Mt. Pleasant. She is survived by her five children, Connie (Wayne) Schafer of Beal City, Michael Block of Bath, Kathy (Steve) Hier of Morton, IL, Blaine (Donna Pung) Block of Beal City, and Pam (Lyle) Goward of Marquette; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ann (Pat) McCormick of Houghton Lake, Esther Scully Cotter of Mt. Pleasant, and Betty Wieferich of Mt. Pleasant; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley in 2004; three sisters, Eileen Cotter, Vada Sargent, and infant sister, Leona; and two brothers, William and Jerry Halfmann. A Mass for Rita will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City with Father Thomas Held presiding. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Rita's family will receive friends in the Gathering Room of St. Joseph Church on Friday from 5-9 PM with the Vigil beginning at 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker School. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Lux Family Funeral Home. To learn more about Ritas life, share a memory, photo and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com.