Rita Ann Miller's Obituary
Rita Ann (May) Miller passed away peacefully on February 6th in Muskegon. Born on August 21, 1930 in Sacramento, California to Elmo and Frances May. She spent her childhood in Remus and graduated from Remus High School. Rita earned a degree in X-Ray Technology from Ferris State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art from GVSU. While at FSU, she met and later married Sidney Miller. A most prolific self taught artist, her poetry and pieces of artwork have been displayed in and around the Muskegon area for over fifty years. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where she served in multiple capacities including the art and usher greeter committees. She was a member of several local writing and art groups over the years as well. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Edward Miller; son, Steven Patrick Miller; four siblings: Alice Howard, Marvin May, Dale May, baby Theresa; and her parents, Elmo and Frances (Syler) May. Also preceding her in death is daughter-in-law, Jo Miller, and two sisters-in-law: Norah May and Lynne May. She is survived by six children: Sidney “Charlie” (Alice) Miller II, Shawn (Joe) LaTorre, Barry Miller, Tanya (Ken) Uganski, Lura (David) Gariepy, and Darren (Dana) Miller, and numerous grandchildren including Adam, Dustin, Drew, Hannah, Tony, Natalie, Olivia, BarryJon, Katy, Ryan, Kayla, Chelsea, Alyssa, Rachel, Janelle, Franklin, Isabelle, Emma, Adrian, Fiona, Tess, Brandi, Reece, Lily, and Leum, as well as Stacey, Ryan, Richie; great grandchildren, Rowynn, Cameron, Ellie, Stella, Ryleigh, Olivia, Amelia, Lucy, Ellery, Hunter, Aubrey, and Aleiah. She is survived by siblings including Nancy (John) Doyle, Maryellin (Ken) Prus, Elouise (Mike) Kuncaitis, Toni VanWyck, David (Vickie) May, and Michael May; sisters-in-law, Betty May and Viola May; as well as many, many nieces and nephews that she appreciated so very much. Rita spent a lifetime sketching while studying sculpture and painting, emerging with her own unique style of each. Throughout her lifetime, her work has been exhibited in local shows and libraries, often accompanied with the historical or Biblical references that inspired each piece. Her writing included radio advertisements, numerous plays, three books of poetry, and short stories that appeared in local publications over the years. She was recently honored as one of the outstanding women artists from Mecosta County with a selection of her art being featured and hosted an exhibit in her home in 2019 entitled “Faith For All Time”. Besides artistic endeavors, her great interests have always included family, grandchildren, faith, gardening, and enjoying the great outdoors. Rita’s MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday, February 20, 2021 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken, Muskegon, 49441) with Fr. Charles D. Hall presiding. VISITATION with her family will be from 9-11AM Saturday at church. The ROSARY will be prayed at 9AM. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Muskegon, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Relief Fund, St. Thomas Grotto Upkeep and Child Abuse Council - Muskegon. Special thanks to the Sanctuary of the Oaks staff and to Harbor Hospice. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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