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Rita Margaret Keyes
1938 - 2023
Rita Margaret Keyes
1938 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2023
Rita Keyes Obituary
Rita (DeLaVergne) Keyes passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, after a brief illness. Per her wishes she has been cremated. She was 84 years old.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 6 at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 3139 Hogarth Ave in Flint. The family will be receiving friends and family one hour before the service which will be held at 12:00 pm and a luncheon will be held after the service in the hall.
In lieu of flowers, Rita has requested that you share a gift of money or your time with your favorite charity and think of her.
Rita was born on Sunday, July 17, in 1938, in Mt. Morris to Louis and Matilda (Simmons) DeLaVergne. She graduated high school in 1956 from St. Paul’s Catholic School in Owosso. She was a member of the school choir, journalism club, honor society, and yearbook club. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and older sister. She will be missed by her four children, Kristine (Keyes) Pullman and husband Neil Pullman, Mark Keyes and wife Andrea Chirich, David Keyes, and Karen Thomas. She had five grandchildren, Rachel Pullman, Renae Pullman, Josh Keyes, Christopher Keyes and wife Kalyn (Wurst) Keyes, Chelsea (Thomas) Blakemore and husband Nate Blakemore, and one great-grandchild Oliver Blakemore.
Rita was employed by Simen, Figura & Parker law firm for more than 20 years as the receptionist. She loved meeting new people and connecting with the clients before their appointments. She was a volunteer with the Mundy Township Police Department and could be seen patrolling the parking lots on Friday nights during high school football season. She was a volunteer usher and server at The Whiting Auditorium for many years. She volunteered at the annual Crim Race in Flint from 2001 to 2021. She was employed by Sears at the Genesee Valley Mall for over 40 years. When her children attended elementary school at St. Pius X Catholic School she worked as the school receptionist. Rita loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grand child and traveling. She will be missed by all.
16 Entries
Linda Lawson
March 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She was such a pleasant voice whenever I would call. She will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Heaven surely has been gifted with an angel.
Gerald DeLaVergne
March 6, 2023
Gerald DeLaVergne
March 6, 2023
Gerald DeLaVergne
March 6, 2023
I first met aunt Rita in 1949 as the oldest grandchild of her parents Louis and Matilda. She was around 11 years old and I would remember her mostly when she was a teenager since she helped grandma babysit me once in a while. I have always known her as a highly energetic person who loved to laugh and giggle. I pray that she rest in peace with Jesus for eternity.
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Pamela Klocko Adkins
March 6, 2023
The Klocko Family remember Mrs Keys so very well, with fondness the smile she had to share with everyone. She lived a full life and had a wonderful family. No greater feat! Kristine has always been a true friend to our sister Karen and we know that this sorrow will be diminished by all the wonderful memories of a beautiful lady. God Bless.
Beth Ackley
March 5, 2023
I worked with Rita for several years. I found her to be charming, witty and a true joy. She was a source of inspiration and acceptance regardless of your path in life. She was special and will be missed beyond measure. Rest easy in heaven my friend.
Jeanne Anderson
March 5, 2023
Rita was a dear friend. I volunteered with her at the police department. She was such a vibrant woman. She will be dearly missed.
Andrea Sutton
March 2, 2023
I am very saddened to hear this, we had wonderful giggles while volunteering together!! She was truly a wonderful lady.
Andrea
Ursula Witkowska
March 1, 2023
Kris - sending prayers at this time for you and your family. Love Urs
Judy Willson Hornak
February 28, 2023
So sorry for the loss of a loved one , the loss of a mother & grandmother can not be measured, only shared by those who truly care. Prayers love ❤ hugs
Carol Miller
February 28, 2023
Rita was such a sweet lady. Always had a smile on her face. My husband, Bob Miller enjoyed working with her at Sears for so many years. I pray that God will comfort you, she will be greatly missed but I am sure she will always be looking out for her beloved family.
Paula Koplen
February 28, 2023
What a great life, so active! She was such a fun ,kind personable person, we all loved her at Sears.❤May you all find comfort and Peace❤
Vicki Blakemore
February 28, 2023
There was nothing more beautiful than seeing Rita with her great grandson, Oliver. She had a lovely and joyful spirit that was contagious to those around her. Love and prayers are sent to all those that are grieving her loss. Rita will be remembered with smiles.
Joan Miller
February 28, 2023
I am sorry to see of Rita's passing. She was always a ray of sunshine every time I seen her. I met Rita when I worked at Sears, my dad (Bob Miller) worked with Rita as well. He always loved giving her a hard time and she dished it right back. I seen Rita around the holidays and got a great big hug. I will treasure that forever. I will have a hard time not looking for her at Meijer and helping her get the items that she could not reach off the shelf. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Monroe
February 27, 2023
I just want to say Rita was such an awesome lady. I have known her for many years. I worked for Rita at Sears for a few years and what a nice person she was. She always was the same every time I talk on the phone or seen her. She was so sweet. You never could find better young lady then she was. My heart was so broken when I heard she had passed away. Rita will always be a part of my heart . So sadly miss. God has one more ANGEL in Heaven.
james jozwiak
February 27, 2023
I knew Rita from both Sears and through the late Mike Thomas. She was always a joy to see when I came in. May your Faith and fond memories help during this difficult time. Sincerely Jim and Sue Jozwiak
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1225 West Hill Road, Flint, MI 48507
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