Obituary for Rita L. (Rodes) Spaulding

Rita Loree (Rodes) Spaulding, of Portland, Michigan (formerly of Kingsley, Michigan) passed away peacefully on September 19, 2020 surrounded by her family.

She was born March 19, 1945 in Paradise Township, Michigan where she declared herself “The Queen of Paradise Township.” Rita graduated from Kingsley High School in 1963. She went on to get a degree at the Muskegon School of Business.

On September 12, 1964 Rita married the love of her life, Jim Spaulding. They shared 56 years of marriage and had three daughters.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Leona (Winch) Mathews and parents-in-law, John and Zevar Spaulding. She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters, Ronda Spaulding-Goodman, Lisa (Joe) Quick, Jamie (Chad) Goodman; nephew, Clinton (Lori) Rodes; grandchildren, Tyler Goodman, Justin Goodman, Dylan Goodman, Rylie Goodman (Treyvin), Joe (Timothy) Quick, Julian (Kelly) Quick, Anthony (Kailey) Haluska, Sarah Haluska, and Seth Goodman. Also surviving Rita are her great grandchildren, Owen, Asher, Brody, and Norah.

Rita and Jim were very involved in their childrens’ sports, from coaching little league softball to being honored for attending the most away games of any parent in high school sports. Rita loved to bowl, golf, and travel to tropical places with Jim. After Jim’s retirement they moved up north to be near her mother and easily made many new friends. Rita loved living on the lake and enjoyed fishing, swimming, and canoeing.

Rita battled cancer fiercely for 25 years and was cancer free since 2012. She was later diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and subsequently succumbed to the disease.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the amazing staff at Elara Caring, especially Chelsea, Kimberly, Jen, DeDe, and Candace. They went above and beyond in every aspect of Rita’s care and made a very difficult time bearable for the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society. A Celebration of Life will be held at a time and place to be determined. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.