Rita Elizabeth Gillis, 77, of Traverse City, formerly of Bay City, died Mon, Jan 13, 2020.
She was born on Jan 10, 1943 in Bay City, the daughter of Harold and Catherine (Moore) Dumeah.
Rita graduated in 1961 from Visitation High School in Bay City. Rita then went on to graduate from Madonna College to be a nun but ultimately left, fulfilling her number one accomplishment in life, becoming a mother.
She attended St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Bay City. Rita enjoyed volunteering and was active in the Altar Society and taught Sunday school.
She moved to Traverse City in 2001 to be closer to her son, Keith. She was a member of Immaculate conception Catholic Church where she continued practicing her catholic faith.
Rita loved spending time with her family, especially her son Keith. Wherever you found Keith working on a project, you could always find Rita close by helping out. She was very active in the lives of her grandchildren, Rachel and Jacob, from the time they were born and into adulthood. Rita never missed a moment of her grandchildren's lives, whether it was taking them to Caro Park, coming to play everyday as she babysat them, watching them play hockey, race motor cross or attending their graduations from the Michigan State Police Academy. She was always a proud grandmother.
Family gatherings were very important to Rita. She was well known by her nieces and nephews for her tasty snacks, being creative in the kitchen and filling everyone's belly.
Rita enjoyed all types of craft making and was a wonderful woodworker. She loved to cross stitch, paint and build bird houses.
Rita had a great personality that wouldn't quit. She was feisty, sassy and would do anything for her family. Rita was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Rita is survived by her son, Keith Gillis; grandchildren, Rachel (Michael) Olesen and Jacob Gillis; and sister, Deb (Bert Vaughan) Schultz. Rita was excited for her twin great grandchildren to be born this summer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Harold Knaggs, Sharon McCArthy, and Bonnie Zielinski.
Visitation will be held from noon to 3 pm, Fri, Jan 17, 2020 at Life Story Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm with Rev. Anthony Citro officiating.
