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Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel

1000 Silver Lake Road

Fenton, Michigan

Rita Shand Obituary

Rita Shand (Walter) - Age 92, of Fenton, formerly of Flushing, passed away peaceful at home on November 5, 2025. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 am, Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to the time of the service. Entombment will follow in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to St. John Outreach.
Rita was born June 7, 1933, in Flint, the daughter of William E. and Pauline F. (Murphy) Walter. She was a graduate of Flint Northern High School and Michigan Normal College. Rita married Howard Smith Shand on August 6, 1955 in Flint; he preceded her in death on December 23, 2024. Rita was an Elementary School Teacher at Beecher Schools. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and P.E.O Sisterhood, was an avid golfer and member of The Flint Golf Club. A lover of art and music, she enjoyed the Flint Symphony Orchestra, served as a docent at Flint Institute of Arts, as well as being involved with the Flint Institute of Music. Rita cherished time spent with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters, Tenley (Brent) Himes, Sydney (David) Leathers, Martha (Lewis) Barbera; grandchildren, Morgan Leathers, Lucy (Peder) Dahl, Austin (Emily) Leathers, Meryl Leathers, Jack (Maggie) Barbera, William (Claire) Barbera; and great-grandchildren, Daisy Leathers, Leo Leathers and Brittan Dahl. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Pauline; husband, Howard; brothers, Dr. Daniel (Peggy) Walter, and William Walter; sister, Beverly Greene. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Flint Journal on Nov. 6, 2025.

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4 Entries

Diane Wiselogle

November 19, 2025

So sorry to see the passing of Rita! I did Rita´s hair many yrs ago and she was always a joy. Diane Wiselogle

Maureen Buck

November 17, 2025

Rita and Howard were neighbors and friends for many years and Rita and I went to Civic Park elementary together. Please accept my condolences on the death of Rita. She and Howard loved you girls so much and were so proud of you. She will be missed.

Max and Joan Calhoun

November 16, 2025

Rita was a very special lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ma and Joan Calhoun

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Memorial Events
for Rita Shand

Nov

15

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St John the Evangelist Catholic Church

600 N Adelaide St, Fenton, MI 48430

Nov

15

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St John the Evangelist Catholic Church

600 N Adelaide St, Fenton, MI 48430

Funeral services provided by:

Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel

1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430

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