WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Rita Mary Barton, age 104, of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Blueberry Hill Assisted Living in Lawton.
She was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada on April 6, 1921, the daughter of Thomas and Maryann (Tapper) Fitzpatrick.
On July 30, 1945, Rita married Harold Joseph Barton, whom she met at a USO dance when Harold was stationed in St. John’s, near the end of World War II. They enjoyed the music of the Big Band era and dancing. Their love grew through the years, and they provided a happy home for seven children. After Harold retired, he and Rita enjoyed traveling around the United States by car. They visited every state except Hawaii and Alaska.
Strong in her faith, Rita was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was an avid reader, especially of faith-based literature. She was also a big fan of the Detroit Tigers and watched their games whenever she could.
Remaining to cherish her memory are six children, Anita (William) Doerr, Robert (Cheryle) Barton, Patricia Rafferty, Thomas Barton, David Barton, and Mary Barton-Young; many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; one daughter, Kathleen Barton Armstrong; her parents; and several brothers and sisters.
Her family will receive friends on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 645 S. Douglas Ave., Three Rivers, with Fr. R. Mathias officiating. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.
Although I didn’t get to see Aunt Rita as often as I would have liked, I cherish every visit in my heart especially when she and uncle Harold visited my family and I in Red Deer, Alberta back in the early 1990s. She was always kind and loving to me. I also loved a 2-day stay at he home in 2012 as I was returning to Alberta from Ottawa with my best friend, Lorraine. She always remembered me at Christmas ever since I left home to venture out into the world in 1972. I will hold her in my heart always. Love you, Aunt Rita.