Rita Lawless

Rita Ann (Ford) Lawless, age 95, of Holland passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 following complications from a fall in her condo in Holland, MI.

Rita was born December 10, 1929 in Springfield, IL. She attended St. Josephs School and graduated from Ursuline Academy, and later married Patrick Lawless at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. After moving to Chicago, IL for a short time, Rita and Pat settled in Joliet, IL and raised their family.

Rita was passionate about her family and especially poured out her love on her children. She was deeply committed to her Catholic faith and was a good friend to many during her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ellen (Kelly) Ford of Springfield, IL, husband Patrick I. Lawless of Joliet, IL, daughter Colleen (Lawless) Day of Lake Forest, IL, one brother and three sisters, daughter-in-law’s, Kristina (Ruthenbeck) Lawless and Sandy (Boersema-Elhart) Lawless.

She is survived by her son: Mark Lawless of Allegan, MI; grandchildren, Megan (Mike) Lawrence of Philadelphia, PA, Sarah (Nat) Emmett of Savannah, GA, Danny Lawless of Grand Rapids, MI, Kelly (Rob) Stein of New York, NY, Rick Day of Highwood, IL; great grandchildren, Murphy and Kieran Emmett of Savannah, GA, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, February 14 at Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street in Holland, MI.

A funeral service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 100 St. Peter Drive, Douglas, MI 49406. Father Evelio Ramirez will be officiating. A brief prayer service will take place on Tuesday, February 18 at 1:00pm at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, IL 2001 N First Street.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland.