Rita Michel
May 4, 1946 – January 24, 2017

Rita Michel passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at St. Paul’s Hospital. Rita Bernice Marie Rudulier was born on May 4, 1946 in Melfort, SK. As the oldest of eight children she spent many hours on the family farm cooking, doing chores and tending to her younger siblings. She attended Harieville and St. Brieux School. She moved to Saskatoon to go to Marvel hair dressing college after high school.   At the age of 18, on a blind date she met her husband of 45 years Larry Michel. They were married on August 3, 1965 in St. Brieux and lived in Saskatoon where they raised their three children Wayne, Ramona and Sherri. Rita ran a home based daycare business and it was clear how invested she was in the children she brought into her home and she loved them as her own. Excited to return to the country upon retirement, Larry and Rita returned to Middle Lake to join friends in an environment they loved. Rita spent many hours nurturing her garden and loved leisurely walks around the lake. Rita’s love of music led her to join the Middle Lake and St. Peter’s Choir. She treasured the little notes, crafts and hand drawn pictures from her grandchildren and loved attending swimming lessons and hosting sleepovers with Nicole and Sarah when they came for a visit. Her soft singing and stories put many a child to sleep. Her house was always filled with the aroma of freshly baked buns and “grandma cookies”. Her house was home to many and everyone was welcome especially on Christmas Eve where special traditions like home-made chop suey, ham dip and butter tarts were abundant. Lively Christmas carolling was a family favorite. Rita loved all God’s living creatures from lady bugs to her beloved kitties. She spent many quiet evenings with her faithful companions Patches and Minou. Rita had a love of learning and enjoyed conversations and visits from all her friends and family. Rita never took one day for granted and handled her diagnosis with grace, courage and optimism which proved to be the most effective treatment as she surpassed expectations and amazed a medical community with her resilience. We rest easy knowing Rita is reunited with Ramona and Larry in heaven amongst the stars; the porch lights of her new home. Left to cherish Rita’s memory are her daughter Sherri Michel, son Wayne (Angela) and their children Nicole and Sarah Michel, and son-in-law Neil Dahl and his children Greg (Cami) Dahl, and Robert (Amber) Dahl. She will be fondly remembered by her brothers and sisters: Paul (Leona) Rudulier, Lucille (Don) Assie, Gerry Rudulier, Leonard Rudulier, Helen (John) Rudulier and Ron (Connie) Rudulier. Her brothers and sisters in law: Marvin (Lillian) Michel, Dorothy Michel, John Kolla , Alymer Schmid and her godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is welcomed into heaven by all those that went before her; her loving husband Larry Michel and her courageous daughter Ramona Michel. She is predeceased by her parents Andre and Aline Rudulier; sister Lorette Kolla; father-and-mother-in-law Lancy and Meta (nee Hertzke) Michel; sister-in-law Doreen Schmid; and by her grandson Mitchell Dahl. The Funeral Mass was held at Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, Middle Lake on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Colin Roy.  Others taking part were:  Nicole and Sarah Michel, crossbearers; Donna Wasylowich and Helen Rudulier, scripture readers; Mary Ellen LaBrash, intentions; Rhonda Baker, organist; Carol Michel, eulogist; Andrew and Carlotta Hooghiem, giftbearers; Marie Bautz, memorial table attendant;  and Wayne Michel, urnbearer.  Interment will  be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Street Cat Rescue, Saskatoon, SK, Humboldt Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) and the Canadian Cancer Society. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Julie Balaton, Dr. Ahmed and nurse Tracey and to the wonderful staff at St. Paul’s Palliative Care Unit.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)