Rita “Alta” Peterson, age 94 of Manistique, Mich., passed away on April 23, 2018, at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique, MI. She was born Jan. 26, 1924, in Cooks, Mich., the daughter of Dominick and Merilda (Demars) Popour and attended school in Cooks.

Rita was formerly married to Walter R. Peterson. Walter preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 2012.
She was employed as a nurse’s aide at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique where she worked for over 16 years.
In her spare time, she enjoyed flower gardening and would often bake goodies to bring to her friends. She also enjoyed listening to country music. Rita especially enjoyed crocheting.
Over the years, Rita crocheted hundreds of chooks for local churches, schools and various other organizations. In her earlier years, Rita enjoyed dancing and riding her motorcycle.

Rita is survived by her twin sons: Darryl (Kathy) Peterson of Cooks, MI and Daniel (Linda) Peterson of Stevens Point, WI;
daughter, Alane (John) Wills of Menominee, MI;
grandchildren: Dr. Jacob (Kristin) Peterson, Neil (Elizabeth) Peterson, Heather (Jeff) Burnside, Heidi Wills and Tracy (Gregory) Hall;
great-grandchildren: Grace, Haley, Oliver, Isadora, Lily and Isla;
and her brother, Vern “Bunny” Popour;
along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and ex-husband, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Arden; brothers: Raymond “Babe” Popour, Edward “Pete” Popour, Floyd “Polly” Popour, Richard “Manny” Popour and infant, Raymond Leonard Popour; and her sisters: Lila Desjarden, Verma Rochefort, Lorna Rochefort, Velida Vanderville and infant, Mary Popour.

Funeral services were held April 30, 2018, at the Messier-Broullier Funeral Home, Manistique, with Celebrant Carole Cooper officiating. Burial was May 1, 2018, at Fairview Cemetery, Manistique
©Messier Broullier Funeral Home notice.
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