Nov. 15, 1954 — April 15, 2016

Rita Faye Allen, 61, of Niles, Michigan passed away on April 15, 2016, at home surrounded by her family members and friends. Rita was born on Nov. 15, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Theo Richmond and Ollie Ruth Allen. She was youngest of ten children. Preceding Rita in death were her parents; two siblings (Denny Richmond and Fern Opal) who died in infancy; and her oldest brother Ivan Leroy.

Rita had a lively personality and a witty sense of humor. She enjoyed her life and she was a joy to be with. She loved her family and friends. In 2009 Rita went on a cruise to Alaska. It was the trip of a lifetime!

Surviving Rita are her siblings: Wilma Allen (Lee’s widow), Devonna (Mitch) Mitchell of Canton, Michigan; Ioma Davis, Wesley (Pat) Allen, Cathy Unsicker, and Joseph Allen – all of Niles; and Patricia (Wayne) Cooper of Tallahassee, FL. Also several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Rita was loved dearly by her family, relatives, and friends. She will be missed and her death will be grieved for a long time.

The funeral for Rita will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Michiana Christian Embassy in Niles with Pastor Jeffrey Whittaker officiating. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the funeral from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will take place after the funeral at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo; Gateway-Main, Berrien Springs; or Michiana Christian Embassy, Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.