Rita E. McNair, age 95, of Gladstone passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Rita was born August 16, 1924 in Bark River, Michigan, the daughter of Herbert and Rose (Martin) LeGault. She graduated from the St. Joseph Catholic School in Escanaba in 1942. On November 8, 1944 she was united in marriage to Kenneth McNair at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Escanaba. Rita worked for Stella’s Cafe, Hanson Canning Factory and as a CNA for the St. Francis Hospital for 18 years until she retired in 1979. She continued with private nursing care for many years following her retirement. Rita was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone where she served with the Woman’s Auxiliary and the Funeral Luncheon Committee. She enjoyed bowling, belonging to two local bowling clubs, was a Card Club member, Lady Forester member, an avid Green Bay Packer fan, loved to spend time with her family, camping, maintaining her camp fires, babysitting and playing bingo. She was best known for her sticky buns, meat pies, pasties and breads.
Rita is survived by her children, Susan (John) Grenier of Gladstone, Pat (Ray) Hagman of Escanaba, Sharon (Richard) Schoenenberger of Garden, Mike (Robin) McNair of Gladstone, Cathy (Ron) Tomac of Gladstone, Cheryl Brown of Ford River, Chris McNair of Gladstone, Theresa (Steve) Johnson of Rapid River, Debbie (Perry) Hughes of Wetmore, MI, Ken (Tina) McNair of Wausau, WI, Julie (Galen) VanDrese, Cornell and Dan McNair of Escanaba Township; 32 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren; her sister, Marlene (Robert) Chriske of Pittsville, WI and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, brothers, Tippy, Lester and Don LeGault and sisters, Clara LeGault, Laverne Thibault and Beatrice Lindahl.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 22 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Rita will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Donna - Escanaba, MI
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom and grama.Thoughts are with you all
Amy Lynn - Hickory Corners , Mi
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Mary Thomma - Escanaba , M
So sorry for your loss may your memories be a comfort for your family
Carol and Barry King - Gladstone , Mi
Theresa and your family. I missed seeing your mom in church. Know we care and will pray for all of you. Just think of the wonderful party they are having to welcome your mom to heaven.
Donna Folcik - Rapid River, MI
To the McNair children,
How fortunate for you that you had your beautiful mom so long. She worked her whole life and exemplified hard work and love for her family. I enjoyed meeting up with her and my mom enjoyed a night with her two or three years ago where they chatted into the wee hours of the morning at Bayview. She will be missed by many.
The Roberts amilies - Rapid River, MI
Sincere sympathy to the McNair/ Shoenenberger families on the passing of their Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother. Prayers for strength with many happy memories.
Toni Bal - Grand Rapids , MI
Sue and Pat–I’m so sorry to see Rita has passed. The brief time we all knew each other, living on Minnesota Avenue, still brings such great memories! I hope you and your families are well and are able to work through this time of grief with much love.
Pat Bourdeau - Escanaba, Mi
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
Kathy Grenfell - Gladstone, Mi
Sue and family, sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Sounds like she had a long and meaningful life. I’m sure she will be missed by many. Prayers for you and your family.
Mary Eastman - Escanaba, Mi
So sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending our thoughts and prayers to all of the McNair family.
Dennis and Mary Eastman
Dinah Lake - Crescent City, CA
Dear Sue, Pat and family.
Sorry to hear about your Mom, I remember her well although it has been many years since I have seen her or any of you guys.
She and my Mom…. Alice….. were good friends way…. back when….. you were small….
Linda Bryer - Ellenton, Fl
Theresa, your Mom was the best. 95 how great was that. Now resting in peace. ♥️ Your family is in Cliff and My thoughts and prayers.
Betsy Gasperich - Richton Park, IL
Dear Sue,
So sorry for your loss if your Mom! How I remember the times at your home on Wisconsin Ave. your Mom always welcomed me into your home! Lots if good times! Love, prayerful hugs and healing energies to each of you in your time of loss! Betsy
Kathy Elliott - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. She lived a long and great life. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. All your great memories of and with her will last a lifetime.
Bill and Kathy Elliott
Andy Wiltzius - Kingsford, MI
So sorry for your loss, but what a great life. I will always remember Mrs. McNair as one of the most pleasant ladies way back when I was a young boy in the neighborhood as well as when I’d see her recently , also a great friend to my big sister Peg. Rest in Peace.
SUE - WETMORE, MI
Carol Sargent , Ray and families,I always liked visiting with your Gramma and her family , , my smypathy goes out to your whole family. With sympathy,Sue Raredon