Obituary: Rita Ilene Huber

Rita I. (Trolz) Huber (4/1/1939 – 3/20/2026)

Rita Ilene Huber, age 86, passed away March 20, 2026. She, along with her twin sister, Ruth, was born on April 1, 1939, to Elmer J. and Mary C. (Coon) Trolz, in Manchester, Mich., where she spent most of her life.

Rita attended school in Manchester, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse and graduating from Manchester High School in 1957. She married Lauren Huber in 1959 and they had three daughters. Rita was a member of Emanuel United Church of Christ, where her family attended as they grew up. She was a past member of many community organizations, including the Manchester Sportsman Club, American Legion Auxiliary, and Manchester Historical Society. Rita also served on the Oak Grove Cemetery board for many years. Rita was well known for someone who could organize the community to help others and provide food for large crowds. She continued to provide traditional German cookies and desserts to Emanuel Church for their dinners until last month.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, including the mother who raised her, Betty (Kearney) Trolz, three sisters, and four brothers, and her husband of 60 years. Rita is survived by her three daughters, and their husbands; Lisa (David) Townson, Jodi (Jeff) Holleran, and Heidi (Jack) Stein; and four grandchildren, Kyle Townson, Clint Townson, Kelsey (T.J.) Jordan, and Maximus Stein. Rita is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Valerie (Justin) Crandall, Michelle (Adam Mellem) Holleran, and Michael (Heidi) Holleran; and her step-great-grandchildren, Cody Crandall, Kyla Crandall, Stella Holleran, Sadie Holleran, and Felix Mellem. Rita is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Lannom; bonus grandsons, Ricky Villarreal and Ethan Villarreal; and many nieces and nephews, including extra-special niece and nephews, Mary and Don Nestor and Mark Conley.

Rita’s family feels very blessed to have had so many people help with Rita’s care. Special thanks to Arbor Hospice, Angels in Scrubs, and the staff at Charlotte Stephenson.

Services to celebrate Rita’s life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Emanuel United Church of Christ, with visitation beginning at 10am, followed by a service at 11am.

Memorials in Rita’s honor can be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ or American Legion Auxiliary Foundation.

Please leave a message of comfort for Rita’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.