Obituary of Rita J. Brokaw

Rita Jean Brokaw    Age 75    

Saginaw, Michigan

Formerly of Coleman, Michigan

On April 20 family and friends of Rita Jean Brokaw and Robert (Bob) Bowers will gather at a memorial service to celebrate the life of Rita who peacefully passed away on January 10 after enduring seven weeks of numerous severe medical complications.  Rita, affectionately known as Fluffy to many of her workplace friends, was a kind and gentle soul with an ongoing concern and compassion for others. A beautiful smile was quick to appear and her laugh was cute, infectious and a unique part of Rita’s quiet low-key personality.  Since childhood she was concerned about the welfare and treatment of all animals.  She had a special love for cats and over her lifetime provided a safe, excellent and loving forever indoor home to numerous rescue/shelter cats along with a few purebred cats.

Born on April 20, 1948 in Mount Pleasant to the late Ronald and Loraine (Harless) Brokaw, Rita was a 1966 graduate (honor student) of Coleman Community Schools (home of the Comets).  After graduation Rita was employed at Dow Chemical Company in Midland and then held a brief job at a pineapple cannery in Maui, Hawaii.  Rita later retired after working 31 years for the State of Michigan - Department of Social Services (now MDHHS) in Isabella, Midland and finally Saginaw counties.

Rita loved country, bluegrass, southern gospel, and traditional native Hawaiian music.  Over the years Rita enjoyed attending, with Bob, her parents, or with her friend (since junior high school) Norma Hecht, numerous indoor and outdoor concerts in Michigan and surrounding states. Rita was an enthusiastic collector, crafter and when younger an avid reader.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Ronald and Loraine (Harless) Brokaw, stepmother Emma Mace Brokaw, stepsister Cathy Ferrell, stepbrother Lowell Mace, numerous aunts and uncles, plus a close friend and cousin Connie Finney.  She is survived by an aunt Joyce Raab, numerous cousins, two step-nephews and two step-nieces, several Social Services co-workers who were also very good friends, extended family of Robert Bowers, her close and lifelong friend Norma Hecht, and long term life partner Robert Bowers.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 2110 Brockway Street, Saginaw, MI 48602 (next to Chester Miller Elementary School). Pastor Tim Bender will officiate.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Resurrection Lutheran Church or the Humane Society of Saginaw County.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brokaw family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.