Rita Ann Battram's Obituary
Rita Ann Battram, 91, died Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Federal Way, WA, surrounded by her family, after a short illness.
She was born to the late Lawrence and Evelyn Pearl DuChene on November 17, 1927 in St Clair, MI. She grew up in Marine City, graduating from Holy Cross High School in 1945.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Bernard and Carl DuChene.
She and Harry K Battram were married in April 1969, together for 44 years before he passed away in 2014 at the age of 84, after a long illness.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents George Battram and Violet (Battram) Hawkins, and his brothers Billy Battram and George Lee Battram, Jr. Harry will be remembered for his witty humor, athletic abilities, lifetime love of Slow-ball and winning the World Champion Senior Softball Tournament in 1998.
Rita is survived by her loving sister, Alice Kaminski, of East China Township, MI, children Richard Wille, David Wille (Mary), Sue Smerer (Ron), Thomas Wille (Cheryl), Robert Battram (Cindi). Grandchildren; Chris Wille, Pam Wille, Richie Wille (Keri), David Wille Jr, Lori Wille, Steven Smerer (Trina), Michael Smerer (Melissa), Jason Smerer (Shari), Jenny McGarvie (Shawn), Amy Browne (James), Thomas Wille Jr (Amy), Brianna Battram and numerous Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews.
She is also survived by a very special friend, Tom Adams of Federal Way, WA.
Rita’s love for dancing began as a young girl, continuing on for over 80 years! Her career included having her own dance studio, where she taught Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hawaiian, and Belly Dancing. She not only taught dance in a community college, she choreographed many styles of dance, directed and performed in numerous theatrical productions, and then variety shows in her later years at her senior independent facility. She was scheduled to begin teaching a sit down dance class to the senior community where she lived, the week she went home to be with the Lord.
One of the highlights of her life was when she was crowned Queen of the Ms. Senior Sweetheart Pageant of America in 2013, at the age of 86, one of the country’s only beauty/talent contests for ladies over 65!
After coming to Washington from 1984-1992, Harry and Rita moved to Sun City West AZ, where they had the time of their lives doing all the things they loved, landing back in WA in 2009.
A celebration of Life will be held for Rita at Brookdale Foundation House, 32290 First Ave So, Federal Way, WA, in the activity room on June 22nd at 2 pm.
A memorial mass will be held in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marine City, MI for both Rita and Harry, (Our Lady on the River) 610 S Water Street, at 10 am on August 17, 2019. Visitation will be at 9:30 am prior to the mass. A reception with lunch will follow in the activity center at the church.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?