Rita Marie Allerding

Rita Allerding passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2021, just 2 weeks shy of her 97th birthday.

Rita was born June 26, 1924, the fifth of eight daughters to Edward and Loretta Weber on a farm in Allegan, MI. She graduated Allegan High School at 16 years of age. She was a fiercely independent and strong young woman, who traveled alone for a week by train, to visit 2 of her older sisters in California, before she was 20. She got a clerk position at an A&P grocery store in California, which she continued to work at when she returned to Michigan. She was proud of her work and moved quickly to the office manager position.

Rita met her future husband, Jack Allerding, at a dance pavilion called The Dixie. They married 5 years later on September 13, 1950. She continued her proud work ethic as she and Jack farmed the Allerding Centennial Farm north of Hastings and created a landmark homestead. They continued to enjoy their farm and their marriage for nearly 52 years, until Jack's passing on August 13, 2002.

Rita was an active member of the Pennock Hospital Guild.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Tami (Steven) Nicholas of Hastings, two grandsons, Ryan (Kelly) Nicholas of Alto, MI and Nathan (Anna) Nicholas of Mattawan, MI, 4 great grandchildren, Blake, Luke, Zoey and Maximus Jack, along with two sisters, Margaret (Bill) Bailey, and Mary Ann Holthof and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents Edward and Loretta Weber, and 5 sisters, Florence Haas, Ethyl Flynn, Evelyn Swope, Dorothy Opas and Lois O'Connell.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Hospice at 2725 Airview Blvd, Ste 101, Portage, MI  49002.

A private memorial will take place for the immediate family. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .