Rita Ann Culver

Rita Ann Metzger Plantefaber Culver, a lifetime resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home at Friendship Village on July 13, 2019 at the age of 92 with family by her side. Rita was born in Kalamazoo on February 16, 1927 to Henry and Irene (McHugh) Metzger. She is a graduate of St. Augustine High School (1945) and Kalamazoo College (1949). On July 24, 1948, she married Neil Plantefaber and together they had three children, Lois, Casey, and Mary. Rita was a homemaker and community volunteer, chairing committees and giving endless hours to organizations such as Community Chest (United Way), Girl Scouts, Service Club of Kalamazoo, Pretty Lake Camp, the Sisters of St. Joseph, Ministry with Community, St. Augustine Church, and St. Joseph Church. After her beloved Neil died at the age of 43, she returned to school to earn her teacher certification from Nazareth College and taught fourth grade at St. Augustine Elementary School for many years, a career she thoroughly enjoyed. In 1971, Rita married Bill Culver, the father of one of her fourth graders, who had lost his wife Jane. This union brought together Bill's five children Jill, Kelly, John, Casey, and Josh with Rita's and their merged family of eight became a tight clan. Faith, family, and friends were her foundation. Rita treated everyone with dignity and respect, greeting them with a smile and kind word. She touched so many people and always saw the best in everyone she met. She lived her life in service to others, saying many times, "There but for the grace of God go I". She will be missed, but her spirit lives on in those who've been impacted by her life. Rita is survived by her children: Lois (Patty Maher) Plantefaber, Jill (Gil) Jameson, Helvi Culver, John (Cathryn Ruckle) Culver, Casey (Liz) Culver, Mary (Terry) Hamlin, and Josh (Robin) Culver; 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; her adopted Culgate children - Susan, Nancy, Stephen and Scott Springgate; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husbands, Neil Plantefaber and William Culver, her sons Casey Plantefaber, Kelly Culver and adopted son David Culgate, her sisters Doris Metzger, Connie (Mark) Marquardt, Lois Metzger, and Carol (Rolfe) Power; and her brothers Dave (Elinor) Metzger and Jack (Libby) Metzger. Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 18 from 5:30 9:00 p.m. in the Kiva at Friendship Village (1400 N. Drake Road, Kalamazoo). The Celebration of Life and Sharing of Memories will be at 7:00 p.m.. Refreshments and beverages will be served throughout the evening. As Mother Jones' motto, "Pray for the dead, fight like hell for the living" describes how Rita lived her life, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, you honor her by brightening someone's day with a Random Act of Kindness. Donations in her memory may be made to Friendship Village - Greatest Needs Fund (1400 N Drake Road, Kalamazoo MI 49006) or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent, compassionate care provided by each and every staff member of Friendship Village.