Rita Mae Traxler, 80, of Coldwater, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Drew’s Place of Coldwater.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Harold Jewell officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mason Cemetery in Coldwater.
The family will receive guests for visitation that morning from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
She was born August 28, 1943 to Wilbur and Margaret (Otto) Taber in Coldwater, MI. Rita married her second husband Arthur Snyder who preceded her in death. April 12, 1980 Rita married her third husband Ronald Traxler and he also preceded her in death on December 4, 2008.
Rita led a long and fulfilling career with Swift-Eckrich in Quincy until retiring after many years in 2001. She was a faithful member of the Oasis of Love Church in Coldwater and truly harbored a servant’s heart as she opened her home to many to share her love and kindness.
Rita not only taught but modeled generosity, forgiveness, acceptance, and joy even through her many difficult years as she battled cancer; she was fierce in her fight, and tackled hardships like a champion. Rita always found it easy to smile as she had many passions in her life such as puzzles, cards, camping and traveling. She enjoyed the Hallmark channel, Tom Selleck, Elvis and especially Kenny Rogers.
Some of her other favorite activities were soaking in the sun and hot tub, gliding on the porch to relax, eating ice cream, baking cookies, buying gifts, and watching her children and grandchildren play sports. All of these many things brought joy to Rita’s life; but second to none, was the deep and endearing love that she held for her family, especially her grand, great grand, and great-great grandchildren. Rita will be dearly missed as a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.
Rita leaves behind her children Annette (Michael) Smitley of Athens, LouAnn (Heather) Payne of Camden, Tina (Dennis) Scheidler of Coldwater, Jill (Al Wilson) Becks of Cambria, Ronald (Penny) Traxler Jr. of Reading; her siblings Bonnie Case of Coldwater, John (Laurie) Taber of TX; her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and her loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her second husband Arthur Snyder, her third husband Ronald Traxler, and her grandson-in-law Gregory McLaughlin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or to New Beginnings in Coldwater.
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