Rita was born October 13, 1931, and passed away peacefully in her residence on November 17, 2021, at the age of 90.
Rita, nicknamed “Zookie” by her father, grew up in Philadelphia, PA and moved to Michigan where she lived until her passing.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald “Jerry” in 1999; her parents John and Frances Ruchlewicz; three siblings, Leo Ruchlewicz, Florence Steward and Frances “Franny” Wolbert; and most recently, her son, Eugene “Gene” Betz, in July.
She is survived by her brother, Peter (Brenda) Ruchlewicz of Arlington, VA; her daughter in law, Michele Betz of Holt, MI; her granddaughters, Nakia Betz of Nashville, TN and Alicia (Nick) Hummel of Lyons, MI; and two great grandchildren, Alexander and Alydia Hummel.
Rita will be placed to rest with her husband Jerry at Deepdale Memorial Park in Lansing, MI.
There will be no services, so in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lansing City Rescue Mission.
