Rita J. Porter

Rita J. Porter was a woman of faith and family. Her out-going kindness reached many, and her loving nature touched everyone she knew. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Rita cared for her loved ones unconditionally and with a heart of compassion.

The 1930s were a difficult time in the United States, as the Great Depression changed the lives of so many. Americans struggled to recover from the stock market crash of 1929, and families learned to get by with what they had. Yet on February 19, 1931, Arendt & Anne (VanderLeest) Compagner found a reason to celebrate, with the birth of their fifth child, a daughter they named Rita. Born on the family farm near Saranac, Michigan on February 19, 1931, Rita joined a loving family.

Rita was a driven young lady, and attended Saranac High School where she played basketball and was an enthusiastic cheerleader. After graduation, she went to Western Michigan University and majored in education, as Rita was always encouraging growth in others and had a knack for sharing knowledge.

As Rita grew into a strong young woman, her personal life began to change as well. On a blind date in December of 1951, she met a handsome young airman named David Lee Porter. The couple quickly fell in love and was married on June 6, 1953. The new married couple lived in Bermuda while Dave was still in the Air Force before returning to Michigan in 1954. Rita then began teaching in a one room school in Saranac. While her husband attended Michigan State University, she taught in a one room school in Holt. Rita had the ability to make any situation a fun one, and was loved by each of her students.

The couple relocated to Kalamazoo in 1958, and finally settled in Schoolcraft in 1969. It was there that Rita and Dave finished raising their four beautiful children. The Porter family was always having fun, and Rita made sure her children knew above all else that they were loved. The family home was open to all, as Rita loved to welcome every person into her life, creating long lasting bonds with each of them.

It was a team effort with the Porters, as Rita took care of the children while Dave worked in the insurance industry to support the family. Although Rita was a stay at home mom while her children were young, she eventually re-entered the workforce as a sales clerk at JC Penney and Montgomery Wards, working in both the women and men's departments. She also worked as a receptionist for Schoolcraft Veterinary Clinic for many years, which she found so rewarding. Rita never hesitated to do a favor for another person or to sacrifice her own time for the sake of helping someone else.

Active in her community as well, Rita was involved in organizations including the PTA, PTO, Jolly Doers, American Red Cross, and Schoolcraft Boosters. For many years she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, Literacy Council reader, and Borgess Hospice Volunteer. She was a volunteer cook for the Schoolcraft 7th grade camp for 15 years and the Schoolcraft Lions Club for 8 years. Rita was committed to the people she cared about, and her sensitivity toward others did not go unnoticed. She even helped create and wore the first Schoolcraft High School Eagle mascot suit ever, making local history.

Rita was a good cook and was known for her baking powdered biscuits, home canning and freezing and homemade jams. She enjoyed homemaking, camping arts and crafts, playing cards, traveling, and animals. Rita loved cards, Shanghi, Ucker, Cribbage, Pinochle and Canasta, to name a few. Nobody could beat Rita's concentration and attention to detail, making her a worthy opponent for any game. With a soft spot for animals, she enjoyed bird watching, especially cardinals, and was always looking for the first robin of the year.

Most of all, though, Rita loved spending time with her family. She was an incredibly involved mother, and never missed an activity, even with four children! Rita and Dave's open door policy meant that there was room at their table for anyone in need. They fostered people and animals alike, keeping a non-judgmental atmosphere in their home to allow it to be a safe haven for so many. They always had the intention of finding good homes for the animals they fostered, but kept most of them when they grew too attached to let go. The Porter residence was a home to so many--and nobody could have asked for a more loving environment to be in.

Over time, Rita earned herself many nicknames. Her most well known name was "Rip Roaring Rita", or "Rip" for short. She earned the moniker because of her energetic spirit and her strong nature. Then there was "Recycle Rita" due to her tendency to recycle or reuse anything she could, including tin foil, pie pans, and old mattress springs. She also had some friends that she loved to go apple and grape picking with, which led to her getting the name “Migrant Mama." Rita found the good in everyone, and could have fun doing just about anything.

Rita's greatest joy, though, were her grandchildren. She loved to spoil each of them every chance she got. Her love for them was unconditional, just as it always had been for her own children. Rita had a way of making everyone feel good about themselves, bringing the absolute best out of each person she encountered.

In 2005, Rita's health began to fail, and in February of 2008 she went into Borgess Nursing Home where she continued to make lasting friendships with the people she met. She endeared many nurses to her with her never ending kisses and hugs. Her health continued to decline, and Rita sadly died on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at the Borgess Nursing Home. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Rita taught us the value of friendship, and showed us the importance of an open mind and an open heart. She had a strong personal faith which manifested into her care of others and her compassionate spirit toward each person she met. Her outgoing personality and her unconditional love will live on in the hearts of her family. She will be so deeply missed.

Preceding her in death are her parents, brother Edwin Compagner, and her sisters Katherine Rush & Gertrude Brand. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Dave, her children; Jana & Dale Van Antwerp of Portage, Julie & Michael Noteboom of Parchment, Stanley Porter of Texas, and Aaron & Neena Porter of Schoolcraft, her grandchildren Anne, Jeffrey & Rebecca Porter, Daniel & Rachael Noteboom, and step-grandchildren Alecia & Chris Ruswinckel and Michael Noteboom. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Blaser of Belding, several in-laws, nieces, nephews & friends. Cremation has taken place. Visit with Rita’s family on Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Schoolcraft United Methodist Church; 342 N. Grand, Schoolcraft where a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Nellist officiating. Internment will be held following the memorial service and luncheon in Schoolcraft Cemetery. Please visit Rita’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book or make a memorial donation to Schoolcraft United Methodist Church Women’s Group or South County Community Services.