Rita J. Malvitz

Rita Jacqueline Malvitz passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell. 

She was born August 12, 1931, in Ashland, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late John and Alexandria (Sundholm) Andersen. She graduated from Ewen High School in Ewen, Michigan, in 1949, then went to Detroit and worked at various jobs. 

Rita moved to Kalamazoo in 1952 and from her first marriage leaves three sons, Bruce (Ann) Niemi of Allegan, Thomas (Joy) Niemi of Otsego and Timothy Niemi of Kalamazoo; three stepchildren, Dr. Thomas (Christine) Malvitz of Ada, Lynn Khadija of Grand Rapids and Susan Rosser of Lansing; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Her husband, Dr. Raymond Malvitz, passed away in May or 2009. Her only brother, Gordon Andersen died in 1986 and a grandson, Mitchell Niemi died in 2005. 

In 1966 she started working for Dr. Frank Henny and worked for him for twenty years. When she remarried in May 1985, she worked with her husband, Dr. Malvitz, for eight years in his dental practice before retiring. After retiring, she and her husband wintered in Barefoot Bay, Florida for 10 years and then as a Florida resident in Palm Bay, Florida for five years. 

She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebastian, Florida during those years. They returned to Otsego in 2005. She was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo and worked on many committees and for many years she was a Lutheran Braille worker. She loved doing counted cross stitch and read many books each year. 

As per her wishes cremation has taken place. 

Burial of ashes will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Rita may be directed to Christian Neighbors. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.