Rita Long, 85

Rita Mae Long, age 85 of Colon, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital following a brief illness.  She was born in Mendon on March 16, 1941, the daughter of Lester Davenport and Marion Scofield.  Rita attended Colon High School and was part of the 1959 graduating class.  Later that year, on November 28, 1959, she married Robert Long and shared 44 years together before his passing in 2003.  For almost 10 years, Rita worked at Lear (IAC) in Mendon.

Rita was known for her sewing abilities, making clothes, curtains, and tailoring for local residents.  She enjoyed crafting, making home-made cards and stained glass art pieces to hang on the windows.  Rita would often be seen hopping from one garage sale to the next, finding the next good deal.

Rita is survived by her two children; Robert (Deb) Long and Cheryl Collins; four grandchildren; Ashley (Jeremy) Meyers, Andrew Long, Derek (Kayla) Collins, and Amanda (Chris) Rose; eight great-grandchildren; Savannah Meyers, Mason Meyers, Braxton Long, Kolton Long, Bryce Rose, Grant Collins, Avery Collins, and Mason Collins; two siblings; Danny Davenport and Jane Sanderson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended families.  She was preceded in passing by her parents, Lester and Marion; and her daughter, Debbie Smith.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will be conducted, with a memorial service scheduled at a later date.  Condolences and memories may be expressed to her family at eickhofffuneralhome.com