Obituary of Rita Steffes

Rita Kathleen Nunez was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 22, 1945. She was the youngest daughter of the late S. Roy and Lovica (Kelley) Nunez. She was a 1963 graduate of St. Mary's Academy. Rita would meet the love of her life John Steffes on a blind date while he was home from the Navy. They would be joined in marriage August 26, 1967 at St. Patrick Church. Rita was very supportive as a spouse helping John to earn his Bachelor's Degree. She earned her Bachelor Degree in English with a minor in Psychology from Eastern Michigan, later earning her Masters in Reading. Rita earned her Specialty in Broadcast Media Arts from the University of Toledo where she worked as a Student Teacher Supervisor. Rita worked as a Language Arts Teacher for the Southgate School District for thirty years retiring in 2002. Rita always avoided the spotlight and she was a very humble person. She was a dynamite teacher, and because of her love of travel chaperoned several school trips to Europe. She had also made jaunts to Hawaii, Italy, and many family cruises including Alaska. Rita was an excellent cook and John always said that he ate in the finest restaurants every night of their marriage. She was a member of St. Mary Parish, had served on the SMCC School Board as a trustee for six years, and was a member of the AAUW. Rita age 66 of Carleton passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2012 at home. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a brother: Richard Nunez. To cherish her memory she leaves a beloved husband of forty-four years: John of Carleton; a daughter: Raquel "Kelly" Steffes of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; one brother: David Nunez of Carleton; one sister: Ann Nunez of Orlando; four sisters-in-law: Jacqueline Nunez of Salem, Oregon, Pam Ashley of Riverview, Beverly (Richard) Davis of Riverview, and Constance (Robert) Kaniewski of Holland; twelve nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and nephews. Friends may gather on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at St. Mary Parish, 127 North Monroe Street for a Memorial Mass at 10:00m with Father Marc Gawronski officiating. Private burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.