Rita Huffman

Rita Mae (Guenther) Huffman, age 81, of Belding, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Corewell Health – Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Greenville, Michigan, where she received compassionate, professional, loving care from the staff, for which her family shall be forever grateful.  She was born in Greenville, on May 8, 1942, the daughter of Eric and Margaret Elizabeth (Cattell) Guenther, both of whom preceded her in death. Following graduation from Greenville High School she completed Dental Assistant coursework at Ferris Institute and worked for several years for Dr. Rhode in Belding. She married Nicholas Huffman on February 23, 1963, and he preceded her in death in 2002. For nearly 45 years she co-owned and operated the Huffman Funeral Home in Belding, with her husband, which she sold to retire in 2005. Rita was a pillar of the community, willing to host any gathering and lend her support to any worthwhile cause or fundraiser. She was witty and classy and extended an offer to help anyone who might be in need.  Rita was an active, life-long, member of the Belding United Methodist Church, serving on many committees.  She also belonged to and supported the Washington Club, Thimble Club, Herb Group, and Belding Sports Boosters, working more than her share of shifts in the concession stand at games and meets.  She also served for many years on both the Alvah N. Belding Library Board and the Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) United Hospital Foundation Board. She had many friends and will be missed by all who knew her.                                 
                                                  
The memory of Rita will be cherished by her family including children Barry Huffman of Holland, Michigan, and Jenna Huffman of Belding; grandchildren Jerry Phillips and Orian Phillips; a cousin, Cindy Conomy; brothers-in-law, Dr. Craig (Linda) Huffman of St. Louis, Missouri, and Carter (Nancy) Huffman of Grand Rapids; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews in her extended Huffman family.                                  

A Memorial Reception will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services (the former Huffman Funeral Home) 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. Visitors are welcomed to gather from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Private interment services will also take place. Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to consider a contribution in Rita’s memory to the Alvah N. Belding Library, Cat Trap Fever of Michigan, cat rescue, Belding United Methodist Church or the R.A.V.E. women’s shelter.  For questions regarding memorials or other information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home (616) 794-1300 or visit www.verdunfh.com.