RITA VOWELS

Rita (Rogalski) Vowels passed away Aug. 31, 2021 at her home in Tennessee.

Rita was born in 1957 to Chester and Cecilia (Barchalk) Rogalski in Watervliet. After graduating from Watervliet High School, she attended beauty college earning her cosmetology license.

Rita was a hair stylist for 30 years; at times, operating her own salon. With her husband, Lyle, they have lived in Traverse City, Kalkaska, and currently reside in Tennessee. Rita loved to travel and they enjoyed many trips and cruises to beautiful destinations.

Besides enjoying time with her family and loved ones, Rita always had an interest in bird watching, antiquing and gardening. Her flower gardens were absolutely amazing. After retiring she took interest in finding old cement statues and bringing them to life with her painting. If you are one of the lucky ones, you may have one of her statues showing the talent as she enjoyed sharing them. Two other things came along that she adored, two four legged fur babies, Pepper and Joey. They were two of the luckiest dogs to have been rescued by her as she certainly spoiled them and showered them with her love.

Besides her husband, Lyle; she is survived by her brother, Raymon Rogalski; her sisters: Ruth (Kim) Yancich, Renell (George) Watkins; stepdaughters: JoAnn (Ross) DeGraaf and Clarissa (Scott) Kniss. Also, are two step-grandsons: Tyler Vowels and Cameron McCumby; step-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Wakefield; nephews: Jeff Rogalski and Keven Rogalski; nieces: Tricia Standley, Marlene Miller, Jessie Yancich, Liz Yancich, Karissa Treder; and several great nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, Roger Rogalski and niece, Amy Rogalski.

Rita had a heart of gold and will be missed beyond measure by everyone who knew her. May God bless her and may she rest in peace.

A private celebration of life was held.