Rita Rose Barto

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Rita Rose Barto passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on March 28, 2020, in Ironwood Township.

She was born on April 20, 1932, in Ironwood, daughter of Ray and Margaret (Himinick) Swanson. She resided in Ironwood for most of her life.

Rita was married to Robert Barto in 1957, and together they had two daughters, Cynthia and Roberta. He preceded her in death in August 2000.

Rita was a homemaker, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved the natural beauty of the area and spent a great deal of her time with family and bringing her springer spaniel, Big Max, to local beaches with a particular fondness for Little Girl's Point. She loved animals and cared for many a stray in her lifetime. Her love for animals and the beach is something that has been passed down to her two daughters and all four grandchildren.

Rita was a very humble woman, the simplest things in life satisfied her. A phone call from any family member or a little knick-knack to proudly display in her home would make her happy. Her favorite pastime was going to garage and yard sales, rarely coming home empty-handed. Rita always found something for someone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Margaret Swanson; husband, Robert; and sisters, Phyllis and Caroline.

Rita is survived by daughters, Cynthia Marie (Matt) Sturmer of Negaunee; Roberta Mary (Brian) Binz, Montreal, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Rebecca Rose (Joe) Bal, of Davenport, Iowa; Shelley Anne Binz of Marquette, Kaitlyn Lee Binz and Brian Robert Patrick Binz Jr. both of Montreal, Wisconsin; great-grandson, Owen James Bal; and her furry cat companion, Sputnik, which she adopted from HOPE Animal Shelter in Ironwood.

Private interment will take place in the spring at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to HOPE, 590 Easy St., Ironwood, MI 49938 or another animal shelter.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet them in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

We will see you on the other side.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, to honor Rita's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute on mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.