Rita Lucille Golden

Rita Lucille (Ramos) Golden, age 85 of Leonard, Michigan went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 23rd, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 30th, 1940, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Rita was a devoted follower of Christ throughout her life. Her unwavering faith was a beacon of light to all who knew her, and she lived each day as a testament to God's love and grace.

Rita was a dedicated wife to her beloved husband of 66 years, Kenneth C. Golden, and a cherished mother to Jennie Lee (Randy) Eller and Phyllis (Edward) Pennington.  She was also a loving grandmother to Aaron-Michael (Amanda) Eller, Amber-Lynn (Bryan) Mullins, Ashlee-Morgan Eller, Cloryssa (Jason) Weslosky and Kyle Pennington. She was overjoyed to be blessed with great-grandchildren Skyler, Mya, Maxym, and Makaya Eller, Owen and Olivia Mullins, and Grant, Blake and Lucille Weslosky. She instilled in them a love for the Lord and taught them the power of prayer.

Known as a dedicated prayer warrior, Rita was devoted to her prayer group at Rochester Christian Church. She offered comfort through prayer and was the founding member of the GoEllaPenn's family bible study, sharing the love of Jesus. She found strength in scripture and peace in the promise of eternal life. A verse that brought her comfort was Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path." Rita served others by working at Kennedy Schools teaching sign language and working with special needs children. She also volunteered her time as a spiritual leader at Ascension hospital. Rita was an avid dancer, water skiing enthusiast and loved telling jokes. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and trust in God.

Rita is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Benjamin & Alexandria Helen Ramos, brother Benjamin Ramos and sister Merna Benckendorf. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth C. Golden, her loving daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also remembering her are her sisters, Sandy (Dan) Longanecker and Phyllis Ramos as well as niece Ticia Cervantes and nephews Mark Benckendorf and Randy Longanecker, in addition to many cousins and cherished friends.

Though her passing is mourned, there is comfort in Christ's resurrection and the hope of being reunited in God's kingdom. A celebration of Rita's life will be held at Sparks-Griffin Lake Orion funeral home Wednesday, July 30th from 3-7pm and final farewell service will be Thursday, July 31st at Rochester Christian Church at 11am.

Rita Golden is now at peace with her Savior.