Rita Elizabeth DeRuiter, who was born on September 17, 1957, and passed away on March 8, 2026, died after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Rita will be remembered as a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a woman whose life was centered on family, home, and the simple but lasting comforts she created for others. She carried herself with warmth and determination, and those who knew her best will recall her as someone who made every effort to ensure the people around her felt cared for, welcomed, and well fed. Her presence brought steadiness to her family, and her influence will continue to be felt in the generations that follow. She is survived by her daughters Brandi Smith and her children Kaysen and Vivian; April and her children Bryce, Christopher, Jordan, and Taylor; Christie and her children London, Kiegan, and Violet; and Jessica. She also leaves behind her sisters Sandy, Debbie, Pam, and Trish, as well as her brothers Butch and Bill.Rita especially enjoyed making her home nice and cooking for her family, and that passion became one of the defining parts of her legacy. She understood that a well-kept home was more than a place to live. It was a place where family gathered, where stories were told, where meals were shared, and where comfort was found after long days. Her kitchen was a place of connection, and her recipes became more than instructions. They became traditions, passed on and instilled in her children as a lasting reminder of her care and devotion. Those who spent time with Rita knew that her love showed up in the ways that mattered most, whether by preparing a favorite meal, offering a helping hand, or making sure her home reflected the pride she took in the life she built. Her family remembers her as a woman who gave generously of herself and who found joy in creating a beautiful, welcoming environment for the people she loved. Rita’s life was marked by the strength she carried through both ordinary days and difficult years as a child. Even in the face of illness, she remained a source of love and connection for her family. Her passing leaves a deep void, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, in the meals her family continues to prepare, and in the traditions she helped establish through years of care and dedication. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.