Our adventurous beloved mother, Rita Francis Pratt (Hamilton), of Lowell, sadly passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Pratt; father, Carroll Hamilton; and mother, Elsie Patten Hamilton; and close friend, Merilu Lasby. She is survived by her children, Debra (Nick) Mion, Carl Pratt, Jonathan Pratt; grandchildren, Donovan Pratt, Alaina Mion; brothers, Russell (Barb) Hamilton, Richard (Ruth Ann) Hamilton, Reginald (Dusty) Hamilton; brothers and sister-in-law, Leo (Myrtle) Pratt, June Roth, Kenneth Pratt; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Ace and Sherri Fairchild; and special pets, Patches “Mommy Kitty”, Gray, and Phoenix. Rita was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. Rita and Robert “Bob”, her husband and best friend of 46 years, would take their children on many vacations and adventures while raising their family on Murray Lake. Rita and Robert, who sadly passed away in 2011, enjoyed riding their matching touring Honda motorcycles while visiting family and friends and later having dinner and ice cream at one of their favorite “hang-outs”. Rita received her teacher’s certification after graduating from Michigan State University. After 32 years with Lowell Area Schools as a middle school teacher, she attained a pilot’s license. She and Bob continued their love of exploring in their Piper Cherokee 160 airplane for 12 years. Rita also enjoyed reading, gardening, especially tending to her roses, peonies, gladiolus, irises, and cherished time spent with her grandchildren. Visitation will be held 2-4 PM, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson St., Lowell, MI 49331. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, February 8, 2023, at Roth-Gerst Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Brad Brillhart officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Association https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/
8 Responses
Debra, Carl and Jonathon
Growing up in Nashville, Rita was my best friend, riding bikes around town, playing cork ball in the Hamilton side yard, I probably spent as many hours at their house as I did my own. To my great chagrin we had to move after the eighth grade. I did not hence see your mom again until after I got out off the Navy— at Reggie’s wedding.
Reading all that she and Bob did I can see that she never lost the adventurous spirit she had growing up. Have only the fondest memories of her. With best regards
I love Rita and Robert Pratt eternally!… they are my second parents who carry so much kindness and wisdom. Like ChristGods’ Shining Stars they taught me much and I pray they now are enabled to uplift guide us all!
Deb, Carl, and Jonathan I was sorry to hear about Aunt Rita’s passing. I hope you find peace that she is in a better place now. I will always remember the fun we had with you and Aunt Rita and Uncle Bob at Murray Lake, tugging us around with the ski boat, swimming, picnic lunches and running around the big hill. We will always remember the visits at the farmhouse or out here at the lake when they stopped by while driving around on a cruise. Love you all.
I have many fond memories of growing up with sister who was ten years my elder. To us and friends she was a typical tomboy who had no fear of creepy crawling things like frogs and snakes. She rescued me from a mammoth blue racer snake one day. She loved sports. Our last big a adventure together before she married and had her own family was a trip west to California with mom and dad. We saw many adventurous places in all points west. Not to mention summer days on Murray Lake with both our young families. To my niece Debra and nephews Carl and Jonathon, I pray that you find comfort in God’s promise of redemption and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us so that we may be with Him in eternity. My sincere condolences in the loss of your mother, my sister.
To Rita’s loved ones…I am your mom’s cousin Larry Decker. My wife and our families still live in Nashville. We live on the north end of State Street,where your mom lived on the south end. My wife graduate in 1959 from Nashville High School. Your mom was a sports lover,and a very good friend to all. We used to see her and your dad at her class reunions in Nashville. That was special to us. Your all in our caring thoughts and prayers..Mom’s cousin Larry,and wife June..
This is the Rita I remember. Sorry that she has passed. I didn’t know she taught in Lowell all those years. Love to her family and friends.
I will always remember the week we spent with y’all. I have very fond and happy memories of Aunt Rita and Uncle Bob. I especially remember when Jason tried to water ski for the first when they took us out on the boat. (He wiped out big!!) I always loved looking at her flowers and garden. I love you all and are praying for you.
Debby, Carl and Jon, please know that your mom had a tremendous impact on the young adults she taught over her many years. Not only was your mom, my teacher, but also later in life she was my colleague. She had such a funny sense of humor and loved sharing a comic or two within her lessons. She also loved catching me up on all of your life adventures.
I remember the day I asked her what she had planned to do in retirement. I expected her to give me a long list of great books to tackle, but no….. not your mom! She told me she wanted to learn to pilot an airplane….. naturally, her retirement gift from the staff would become her first lesson.
Your mom must have been tickled to meet up with your Dad…. Oh how she loved him! Please know that her life was impactful and full. May you all live your life in the same manner!