Obituary of Rita Marie Markus

Rita Marie Markus Born: August 1, 1924 Died: August 6, 1924 Rita was born to Oliver and Catherine Anderhalter on August 1,1924 in Trenton, Illinois. She was the fifth born of six children. Rita enjoyed a rich and loving family life with her five sisters and one brother. They enjoyed many Sundays with extended family in the area and created wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Rita met her future husband, Alfred Markus, three years her senior, while in High School. Alfred would serve in WWII for three years while Rita completed High School. Upon graduation, Rita worked as a telephone operator in St. Louis, Missouri, commuting to and from Trenton while still living at home. Alfred returned from the war several years later and they were married on April 21, 1950 in Trenton, Illinois. They bought their first home in Trenton and remained there until they moved to Royal Oak, Michigan a few years later. Alfred owned his own home delivery dairy route and Rita worked as a high school secretary in Ferndale. Ritas sister and brother-in-law had also moved to Michigan and the two couples enjoyed spending weekends exploring their new surroundings. In 1956, Rita gave birth to a daughter, Janice, and they bought a home in Royal Oak where they would remain for the next 50 plus years. They were further blessed by the arrival of a son, Alan, in 1961. Rita was able to stay at home with their children until they were both in school. At this time, she went to work as a secretary for a small newspaper in Berkley and later at a tooling supply sales office in Troy. Throughout this time, Rita remained a catalyst for her family ensuring everyone would be loved and guided with the utmost care. She was never too busy to take time out to tend to her family. She gave of herself like no other. Later in life, Rita and Alfred would be blessed with three grandchildren. Two from her daughter Janice: Eric and Ryan DeMont, and one from her son Alan: Matthew Markus. Rita reveled in being a grandmother. Once again, she was never too busy to give love, guidance or just be the best playmate ever! Once retired, Rita and Alfred were able to enjoy being "snowbirds," enjoying winters in Bradenton, Florida with friends and summers in Michigan with family. Rita became a great-grandmother with the birth of Owen DeMont, Caroline DeMont and Katharine DeMont. She shared weekly play dates with her great-grandchildren, which was the highlight of her week. Rita had many interests throughout her life. She learned to sew from her mother and would use that talent over the years to make clothing, draperies and even upholster furniture. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and cross stitch. She loved to sing, a love born from being raised in a musical household. Her mother sang in the church choir and her father was the church organist. Rita enjoyed dancing throughout her life and was an avid country line dancer later in life. Her favorite singer was Frank Sinatra and listening to his music gave her much joy. Rita was the Detroit Tigers most loyal fan. She followed them on television religiously and enjoyed an occasional game at the ballpark. The continuous thread of love of family was the hallmark of Ritas life. She was a shining example of commitment and sacrifice to her family and friends. Her example is clear to all of us and will continue to be played out for generations to come through the lives of those she has touched. We will all miss Rita dearly as she will be missed beyond comprehension. We are so proud of her life! Yet, we are also comforted and joyful in the certainty of her arrival in eternity; being reunited with Alfred and all her loved ones that have gone to their eternal home. We miss and love you MOM! Rita is survived by her Sister, Mary Brown, her Daughter Janice DeMont and significant-other, Jerry Shanek; Son Alan Markus and his wife Trena, Grandson, Eric DeMont and his wife Kelly;Grandson, Ryan DeMont and his wife Sara; Grandson, Matthew Markus; Great-Grandson, Owen DeMont; Great-Granddaughter, Caroline DeMont and Great Granddaughter, Katharine DeMont.