Upcoming Events
Mar
24
Service
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A.J. Desmond & Sons
2600 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI 48084
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsMar
25
Service
11:00 a.m.
Wisdom City Church
1349 W. Wattles Rd., Troy, MI 48098
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsMar
25
Interment
12:00 p.m.
Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens
43300 W. 12 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48377
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsServices provided by
A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Crooks RoadRita Beard Obituary
Beloved wife of Donald for 61 years. Loving mother of Merlyn Beard (Cherub) and John Beard (Cynthia). Devoted grandmother of Daniel Beard (Autumn Wiborg-Beard), Andrew Beard, and Sophia Beard. Proud great-grandmother of Mason Adrian-Wiborg, Evan Beard, and Olivia Beard. Dear sister of Lesta Belpedio (Jim). Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple/Big Beaver) Troy, MI 48084.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11:00am at Wisdom City Church 1349 W. Wattles Rd. Troy, MI 48098. Visitation begins at the church at 10:00am.
Interment will follow at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi, Michigan.
This obituary will be updated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Rita
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Beard
Make a Donation
in Rita Beard's name
How to support Rita's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rita Beard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored
Upcoming Events
Mar
24
Service
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A.J. Desmond & Sons
2600 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI 48084
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsMar
25
Service
11:00 a.m.
Wisdom City Church
1349 W. Wattles Rd., Troy, MI 48098
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsMar
25
Interment
12:00 p.m.
Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens
43300 W. 12 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48377
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsServices provided by
A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Crooks Road