Rita Aline LaBumbard, 86 year old resident of Harbor Towers in Escanaba, former resident of Rapid River, died July 7, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital following a brief illness. Rita was born in St. Jacques, Michigan on March 8, 1923, one of 14 children of Omer & Florestine Groleau. She married the love of her life, Pete LaBumbard, March 2, 1946, in Nahma.
Rita was a master quilter and seamstress, loved gardening, fishing, and spending time at the family cottage at Round Lake. In her early years, Rita spent many winters with her daughters in Lincoln, Nebraska and Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Walter C. Cole Post 301 American Legion Auxiliary. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by parents, husband Harry
Anonymous
We saw so much of each others’ families in our younger days. I have many vivid happy memories of your Mom in the sugar bush days. She was always so busy cooking and being a hostess. I knew she was previously in Rapid River…and I’d run into her at the stores in Esc now and then years ago.
I offer the entire family my deepest sympathy. I know you, too, will be filled w/numerous happy memories. It’s difficult to watch our parents get older and not be that ROCK we are accustomed to.
I pray she did not suffer. I am sorry to read that she lost a grandson.
My Dad died in 1976 and Mom just passed away in the fall of 2007. It’s hard to drive by our homestead now and know it’s not family there anymore.
Reggie and I both kept some land.
Reg has 4 children, none married yet.
Pete and I had two children and we have NINE grandchildren, all close by. Loves of our lives.
I would love to hear from one of you. I remember Lynn and Lon the most. Your parents were both a happy part of my past. Treasure your memories and again my very deepest sympathy to you all.
Sincerely, Bonnie (still living in Bark River)
PS My cousin Jim Meyers is on your farm and my Aunt Clara lives just down the road from our house. I am still in touch w/the Barrs.
Bonnie (Meyers) Peterson
Bark River, MI
Life brings tears, smiles & memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.
I have many fond memories of being at the LaBumbards and up at Round Lake. My deepest sympathies to all.
Kathy (Schramm) Kowaleski
Lake Orion, MI
Rita was such a wonderful person and I’ll miss her. I wish I could be there to celebrate her life with her family, but unfortunately it won’t be possible. It was so great to see her last summer. I would like to send my condolences to her family during this time.
Jim and Sandy Schutz
Midland, MI
Glad to have known you and eat lunch with you on your 85th.
Adrian
Houghton, MI
Thank you so much for sharing your mom with us at Harbor Tower. She was such a happy and kind lady. I know the people at 8th Street Coffee will miss her too. I will keep her in my memories always. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God Bless Rita, she’s now at home with the Lord.
Judi Good
Gladstone, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort in the many great memories of your Mother.
Mark & Jackie Majestic & Family
Fenton, MI
To me, Aunt Rita was a very loving and happy person. She always seemed to observe the humorous side of life. I remmember A very curly ” Toni” perm, the envy of 3rd grade. She was very special to me when I was a very young bride and mother. I learned alot about cooking sewing and general homemaking. I still have some recipes with “Aunt Rita” written on them. You were blessed with a wonderful devoted mother. She was also very good to my Grandma Elsie and Aunt Marjorie, they loved her much.
God Bless,
Cindy Demeuse
Gladstone, MI
The LaBumbard Family
I will hold fond memories of Summer days spent at
Round Lake with Rita. Eating (especially LaBumbard Soup) , fishing, and marathon Hand and Foot card games. Rita (and Pete) were great friends. It is an honor to have known such caring, honest people.
signed (the other Kid)
Love,
Denise Porath
Escanaba, MI
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rita was a special lady, she will be missed. Rely on each other, your friends and all of your wonderful memories to help you through this very sad time.
Becki (Roberts) Hess
Gladstone, MI
Deepest sympathy the family. Rita was one of the neatest people I’ve ever known. I have very fond memories when I think of all my times at the LaBumbards’.
Sue Callahan Buffington
Milford, OH
For Kevin and Laurie and family
Our thoughts are with you during these sad days.
All our love
Ben/Laura and Mitch Travis
Eben Junction, MI