Rita Woolston Obituary

Rita Alta Woolston of Orleans passed away February 9, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born on December 26, 1942, as the youngest daughter of Smith & Eulah (Griswold) Rowley. Rita attended Central Michigan University & became a Juvenile Probation Officer.
Rita's fondest memories of young life involve the family farm with the horses, ponies & cows. The Rowley's Pony Farm was responsible for 50 head of horses & nearly 40 milking cows at the time of Smith Rowley's early passing. These special moments would be reflected in Rita throughout her life.
Rita always maintained her love for animals, especially horses. She belonged to several horse associations, clubs, competed in many horse shows & was a 4-H Horse Leader. But her crowning achievement was life as a Horse Show Mom.
In 1967 Rita & Tom (married in 1963) had their daughter Tammy. Tammy's happiness & success in horse shows would become Rita & Tom's focus for a large part of their lives. The Woolston's would drive all over the country to compete at horse shows.
Supported by their connections in the horse show community, Rita & Tom capitalized on the need for quality awards. The couple started "Action Awards" in 1987, a business that is now grown by Tammy & her sons, Zachary & Tyler.
When Tammy & Wayne had their triplets in 2000, Tyler, Zachary & Emily became the center of Rita & Tom's world. You'd struggle to find a closer relationship between Grandparents & Grandchildren. Rita was the triplet's source of endless wisdom & love. She is remembered for her remarkable sense of humor, philosophies of life & enduring advice. Rita was an admirable, fascinating person.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Wayne) Boley of Fenwick; Grandchildren, Tyler Boley of Fenwick, Zachary Boley of Orleans, & Emily Boley of Australia; Sister, Nancy McCarthy of Howard City & several nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas in 2015, her parents, & her sister Keitha Possehn.
Funeral Services for Rita will be at the Lake Funeral Home in Ionia on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com