Rita R. Gascon

Rita was born on March 22, 1937, in Escanaba, the daughter of William and Jeannette (DeShambo) Schultz Sr. She was raised in Wells and Gross (Flat Rock area) and was a graduate of Escanaba High School. On June 21, 1958, Rita was united in marriage to Edward “Jack” Gascon, at Holy Family Church in Flat Rock, and together the couple made their home and raised their two daughters in Gross. Rita provided a wonderful family home for Jack and the girls. Once her daughters were grown, Rita provided childcare in her home for many years to follow.

Rita was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock and a member of the Holy Family Alter Society. She belonged to the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and the Delta Merry Mixers Square Dance Club. Rita loved to go dancing, camping and enjoyed baking, cooking and gardening. She would often bake for family and friends and donate homemade dishes to them. Rita and Jack spent many wonderful years wintering in Florida. She will be deeply missed.

Rita is survived by: daughters, Laurie Rae and Brenda Sue Gascon; brother, William (Sherri) Schultz Jr.; sisters, Laurel “Lollie” (Dick) Manske, Elaine (Jim) Wils; brother-in-aw, James (Cookie) Gascon; sisters-in-law, Sally Schultz, Dorothy (Joe) LaFave, Betty Lehouillier, and Janet (Bill) Kern. Also surviving are Rita’s many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, William Sr. and Jeannette; her loving husband, Jack; infant daughter, Cynthia Gascon; brother, David Schultz; brother-in-law, Don Lehouillier; sister-in-law, Mary Anne Gascon.

Rita’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Vigil prayers will follow visiting hours at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Francis Dobrzenski of Holy Family Church officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Flat Rock with Rev. Fr. Francis Dobrzenski presiding. Luncheon will follow in the Holy Family Parish Hall. Rita will be laid to rest next to her husband Edward in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery following luncheon. Contributions in Rita’s name may be directed to Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul or the Escanaba Knights of Columbus. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Messages of condolence can be offered at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com