Rita Moline

Rita Moline, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 97. She was the eldest daughter of Leo and Edna Barz in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Rita is the cherished matriarch of the Moline family, who raised their family on Summerton Road in Clare for many years.

Rita's life was marked by a deep love for her family and an unwavering faith. She married Harold Moline at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on April 24, 1948. They shared 59 wonderful years until Harold's passing in 2007. Their enduring love continues to inspire all who knew them. Rita was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Parish in Mt. Pleasant, where her faith was integral to everything she did. Her devotion to the church and community was evident through her volunteer work, particularly with the Toys for Tots program.

Rita was a devoted caregiver, first as a nurse in the emergency room at the hospital in Clare and later in caring for her beloved husband Harold, as he faced health challenges after retirement. Her nurturing spirit extended to all she encountered, and she was known as a friend to many and an enemy to none. Her kindness, humility, and gratitude were cornerstones of her character. She always lived her life with a quiet strength and social grace.

Rita was also known for her love of family and fun. She cherished celebrating birthdays and anniversaries and always sent a hand-written card well in advance. She adored playing games, especially pepper and bingo, and enjoyed cheering on her favorite teams—the Detroit Tigers and Notre Dame. She was a dedicated Notre Dame football fan, where the team remains undefeated with Rita in the stands. Rita also valued health and fitness, always keeping herself active and engaged with life. She participated in numerous 5K's, Labor Day bridge walks, biking or walking most every day, and cross-country skiing in the winter. She loved travel and adventure with vacations throughout the United States, Italy, and South Africa.

Her home reflected her meticulous nature and was always immaculately clean and filled with the aroma of her home-cooked meals or baked pies and cookies. Rita's legacy lives on through her seven children: Steve of Midland, Tom (Dawn) of Royal Oak, Terry of Alma, Sheryl (Doug) Caswell of Holland, Gary (Kym) of Belmont, Doug (Sherry) of Newaygo, Dennis (Kim) of Rockford. She is also survived by her sister Dani of Mt. Pleasant, sister-in-law Bev Barz of Mesa, AZ, 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents, Leo and Edna Barz; her brothers, William Barz, Richard Barz, and Wayne Barz; her sisters, Rosie Brickner-Sprague and Mary Baumann; and her granddaughter, Jane Moline. Her family, extended family, and friends will remember her for her boundless love, unwavering faith, and ability to make everyone feel special and cared for.

A Funeral Mass for Rita will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Andy Booms will preside. Rite of Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Sunday, March 16, from 1-5 p.m. with the Rosary at 5 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Monday one hour before Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Parish. Envelopes will be available at the church or funeral home.

To sign on the online guestbook of leave a message for the family, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.