Rita (Walter) Shand

Rita Shand (Walter) - Age 92, of Fenton, formerly of Flushing, passed away peaceful at home on November 5, 2025. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11AM Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:30AM until the time of service. Entombment will follow in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to St. John Outreach.

Rita was born June 7, 1933 in Flint, the daughter of William E. and Pauline F. (Murphy) Walter. She was a graduate of Flint Northern High School and Michigan Normal College. Rita married Howard Smith Shand on August 6, 1955 in Flint; he preceded her in death on December 23, 2024. Rita was an Elementary School Teacher at Beecher Schools. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and P.E.O Sisterhood, was an avid golfer and member of The Flint Golf Club. A lover of art and music, she enjoyed the Flint Symphony Orchestra, served as a docent at Flint Institute of Arts, as well as being involved with the Flint Institute of Music. Rita cherished time spent with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Tenley (Brent) Himes, Sydney (David) Leathers, Martha (Lewis) Barbera; grandchildren, Morgan Leathers, Lucy (Peder) Dahl, Austin (Emily) Leathers, Meryl Leathers, Jack (Maggie) Barbera, William (Claire) Barbera; and great-grandchildren, Daisy Leathers, Leo Leathers and Brittan Dahl. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Pauline; husband, Howard; brothers, Dr. Daniel (Peggy) Walter and William Walter; sister, Beverly Greene. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com