Rita Kay (McKinnon) Hurchick

Rita passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on Feb. 19, 2019.

Rita was born in Des Moines, Iowa on Feb 15, 1949 to Ronald and Rose (Trudeau) McKinnon.  Her family moved to Traverse City, MI in 1957.  After arriving in TC, Rita spent 8 years attending Traverse City St. Francis School and her last two years of high school at Traverse City Senior High graduating with the class of 1967.  She then went on to Northwestern Michigan College receiving an LPN degree in 1969. 

Rita married Mike Hurchick on September 6, 1969 which started the greatest adventure of their lives.  Their goals were simple; start a family, raise them well and enjoy life to its fullest.  Together they lived in Bremerton, Washington, Newport, Rhode Island, Traverse City, MI, Walloon Lake, MI, and Charlevoix, MI.

Rita worked at the Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital following graduation from NMC.  She also worked at the Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Washington; Traverse City State Hospital in Traverse City, MI; Burns Clinic (General Surgery) in Petoskey, MI; and Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic in Petoskey.  Rita retired in 2015.

While living in Traverse City in the late 70’s, Rita was involved in starting and improving preschool education for disabled children through the Traverse Bay Intermediate School District.  After moving to the Boyne City Area in 1981, Rita continued to be involved in improving Special Needs education through the CharEm ISD until her daughter Angela graduated in 2000.  Starting in 1986 Rita was instrumental in growing Challenge Mountain of Walloon Hills, volunteering for over 30 years.  She enjoyed working with the many clients and their families that came to CM along with all of the volunteers.  She was a volunteer at the Bergmann Center in Charlevoix where her daughter Angela works.  Rita was an original member of the Boyne City Euchre Girls Club for 37 ½ years.  She was also a member of the Monday afternoon golf league at Ye Nyne Olde Holles golf club. 

Rita loved her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family above all else.  She cherished every friend she ever made and enjoyed spending time with them, whether it was going on adventures or just talking on the phone.  Her “Happy Place” was the family cabin on the Manistee River where she always ended her day relaxing with a glass of wine by the campfire with family and friends.  She enjoyed traveling, fly fishing, painting, golfing, kayaking, sailing (somewhat), skiing, snow shoeing, roller blading, biking, did I say golf?, reading and playing cards or board games.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Roger McKinnon.  She is survived by the love of her life Mike.  Her children Kristi Lepird, Rhonda Flowers, and Angela Hurchick.  Her grandchildren Chase Lepird, RJ Flowers, and Ryan Flowers.  Her brothers Rick (Jean) McKinnon, Russ (Pat) McKinnon, and sister-in-law Sally (Dave) McKinnon.  Many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. 

Rita requested that in lieu of flowers and plants that a donation in her name be given to the Challenge Mountain Endowment Fund, the Bergmann Center, Relay for Life, or a charity of your choice. 

A “gathering” of family and friends will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Stone Funeral Home, Petoskey, Michigan.  Cremation has taken place and internment will be at her Happy Place on the river this summer. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Kay (McKinnon) Hurchick, please visit our floral store.