Rita Marie Whipple Graham, 81, died peacefully at Marble Lake, Quincy, MI, September 30, 2021. Born on August 28, 1940, Rita was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Ethel L. (Whysong) Whipple. Rita was a native of Fort Wayne, and divided her time between homes at Coldwater Lake, MI, and Cape Coral, FL, in years of retirement. Her career spanned 20+ years as a nurse & educator at Parkview Hospital earning her RN, BSN, MSN along the way. She was an active member of P.E.O. & a gourmet cooking group of lifelong friends, Psi Iota Xi, Sigma Theta Tau (Charter Member of Xi Nu), and Parkview School of Nursing. Rita was an avid quilter and gardener. She and husband, Bill, enjoyed traveling to the UP and visits to numerous lighthouses. Most of all, she relished time with her family. Surviving her are husband, Dr. William E. Graham, Coldwater, MI; daughters, Jennifer L. Mayhall (Charles) Redwine, Fort Wayne, Elizabeth A. Mayhall (Jim) Fuller, Chicago, IL, and Sarah L. Mayhall (Jim) Noll, Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Rachael Fuller, Courtney Fuller, Sean Fuller, Maggie Noll, Ben Noll; sister, Patricia A. Fields, Seneca, SC; niece Cheryl A. Fields; nephew Kevin (Laura) R. Fields, step-daughters, Janet (Bob) Woodings, Karen (Dave) York, Sandy (John) Justice, Peggy (Tim) Timbrook; 14 step-grandchildren; and 14 step-great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Service is 11 am, Saturday, October 16, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Coldwater, with calling one hour prior. Calling also is Friday, October 15, 2021 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street. Private Family Burial in Quincy, Michigan. Memorials to P.E.O. & First Baptist Church of Coldwater or ProMedica of Coldwater, MI.