Rita Church

Rita Church, age 87, passed away peacefully, on April 29th, 2026 after a life devoted to family, love, and simple joys. Born Rita Eddy in 1938 in Muskegon, Michigan, she was one of several siblings with whom she shared a close and lifelong bond. Rita is survived by her siblings: Robert Eddy (his wife Lottie) of Coopersville, Michigan; Thomas Eddy (his wife Louise) of Lansing, Michigan; Donald Eddy (his wife Lois) of Muskegon, Michigan; Rebecca Sherfinski (husband Don Sherfinski, deceased) of Parma, Michigan; and Marjorie Eddy of Muskegon, Michigan. In 1958, Rita married the love of her life, James Church. In 1960, they moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where Jim began his career teaching in the Battle Creek Public Schools. Together, they built a warm and lively home on Latta Street, raising their six children—Rita’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. There was nothing she loved more than being a mother.

Rita is survived by all six of her children and their families: Regan Kirk and her husband James of Lawton, Oklahoma, along with their children Elisha, Jason, Bethany, and Timothy. Elisha has three children: Jay, Jnae, and Kylen. Bethany has two daughters, Faith and Vivienne. Jason has a daughter, Siobhian. Renee Cummings and her husband John of Battle Creek, Michigan, and their daughters LaShia and Brianna. Matthew Church and his wife Laura Noel of Mancelona, Michigan, and their sons Cameron and Michael. Rebecca Hope and her husband Steve of Coldwater, Michigan, and their daughters Mairede, Cecilia, and Savannah. Mairede has a son, Bronx, and Savannah has a son, Reed. Chris Church and his fiance Kelly McKenna, and Chris’s son Cory. Jeremy Church and his wife Susan Hayward, and their daughters Senna and Alyssa.

Rita cherished time spent with her family above all else. She spoke often and fondly of family vacations, especially trips to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, as well as summers camping in Northern Michigan. In addition she loved her trips to Europe with her husband. All of these moments created lasting memories for her family. She worked for over twenty years at JCPenney. In retirement, Rita and Jim made their home in St. Helen, Michigan, Christmas was always a highlight for the Church family, marked by their annual celebration—complete with a spirited “grab bag” gift exchange, and the warmth of being together. Rita spent her final 2 years at North Point Woods Facility in Battle Creek. Rita will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and her lively spirit. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the love she gave so freely. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Philip Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. In leu of flower donations may be made to Carewell Services of southwest Michigan. www.henryfuneralhome.org