Rita Carter

Rita Ellen Carter Mrs. Rita Ellen Carter, 81, passed away August 27, 2018 in La Belle, Florida. She was the only child to the late, Thomas and Lena Carter. Rita was a 1955 graduate of North Branch High School. After graduating she worked at Lapeer State Home before purchasing the Floodwater Bar and moving to Hillman in 1972. Later she worked at the HI Way Inn but most knew her as the florist at Kathy's Flowers and Gifts for many years. Rita belonged to the Hillman Lioness Club and was a seamstress for many in the Hillman/Rust Community. She had many interests in life such as; gardening, growing flowers, canning, cooking, family gatherings, having parties, going on road trips and in recent years she loved to play cards, bingo, crochet, knit, and watch the game show channel. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lena Carter and her daughter, Jeri Lee Molinik. She is survived by her children; Stephen Safford of Moore Haven, Florida; Craig (Patricia) Safford of North Fort Myers, Florida; Jeffrey (Denise) Safford of Hillman; Jody (Jim) Saddler of Hillman; and 10 grandchildren; Andrea, Stephanie, Zachary, Lance, Hope, Andrew, Ashley, Amy, Heather, and Brian; and many great-grandchildren. In honor of Rita's life there will be a graveside service at Rust Township Cemetery on October 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon at Brush Creek Mill in Hillman.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lena Carter and her daughter, Jeri Lee Molinik. She is survived by her children; Stephen Safford of Moore Haven, Florida; Craig (Patricia) Safford of North Fort Myers, Florida; Jeffrey (Denise) Safford of Hillman; Jody (Jim) Saddler of Hillman; and 10 grandchildren; Andrea, Stephanie, Zachary, Lance, Hope, Andrew, Ashley, Amy, Heather, and Brian; and many great-grandchildren.
In honor of Rita's life there will be a graveside service at Rust Township Cemetery on October 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon at Brush Creek Mill in Hillman.