Rita Oosting

Rita Oosting was a very special woman who dedicated her life to her family. Always caring and thoughtful, she found great happiness in the simple pleasures of life. Rita appreciated family, friends and events that brought her life incredible joy.

Under the leadership of President Warren G. Harding, America entered into the 1920s with confidence. The politics of the time were as turbulent as ever, yet industry had made the U.S. economy surge. It was during this carefree time that Frank and Gladys (Wrisley) Reddy of Galesburg, Michigan, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Rita, on December 10, 1922. The second youngest of seven children, Rita had plenty of older siblings to keep an eye on her and out of trouble. From her earliest days, according to her sisters Helen and Teresa, Rita proved to be a real tomboy and full of energy. Her sister Teresa recalled, "Rita did the best cartwheels ever."

Rita had a high school sweetheart named Donald Oosting, who also lived down the street from her. After graduation, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and on his first leave home, he and Rita eloped to Ohio, where they were married on June 22, 1942. After marrying, Rita stayed with her new husband, Don, at the various military bases he was stationed at. Upon his honorable discharge, the couple returned to the Galesburg area and settled into Don's family farm, which he continued to work. Meanwhile, Rita took care of the house and their three children: Donita, Fred and Robyn.

A dedicated mother, Rita was an excellent example to her children. She taught her kids good habits and strong values, especially honesty and respect, which would guide them through their lives. Rita was a wonderful cook and her family always looked forward to her meatloaf, chili and goulash, and for dessert, her mayonnaise cake or pineapple upside down cake, her son Fred's favorite. When it came to vacations, the family headed to Glen Lake for some relaxation together.

For Rita, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She loved her role as a mother and grandmother, and was happiest in their presence. Rita just adored her grandkids and she enjoyed being active in many of their activities. Throughout her life, Rita was always very close with her siblings and had a great sense of humor.

Besides being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Rita worked for several years at First National Bank in a clerical position. She also had many hobbies to keep her busy. Rita liked to play a mean game of cards, especially Skip-o and Pitch, or delve into a good Danielle Steel book or crossword puzzle. A big sports fan, she liked catching a golf, football or baseball game on TV, and she never missed the news. Rita was a staunch Democrat all her life, and although she was a seemingly shy person, when provoked, one would see her strong Irish temper flare. Rita and Don were pretty content at home, except for their many travels to Florida. Don, however, was a pilot and they had many great stories of his "buzzing the house." They both also really enjoyed swimming whenever possible. Rita was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was baptized in the faith. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Rita will be dearly missed.

Rita I. Oosting of Galesburg, MI, died on April 28, 2007, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Learn more about Rita, view her life story film and visit with her family and friends on Tuesday, May 1, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. John Peter Ambrose, celebrant. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg with a luncheon following back at St. Joseph.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, two brothers, Vincent Reddy and James Reddy, and two sisters, Mary Booth and Lucille Leet. Surviving are her three children: Donita (Howard) Simmons of Scotts, Fred (Linda) Oosting of Galesburg, Robyn (Brad) Schieber of Kalamazoo; 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; two sisters: Helen Barrett and Teresa Solomon, both of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church or the American Lung Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Rita or sign her online guest book.