Rita Mary (Baier) McPhail

Rita (Baier) McPhail, 94, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022, at War Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.  She was born February 27, 1928, in Sault Ste. Marie to Joseph and Alphonsis (McKerchie) Myotte.

Rita was a lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Loretto Catholic Central High School.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Rita participated for many years in the Rebekahs and Fraternal Order of Eagles associations and local cribbage league.  

Rita lived for her family, always putting them first before herself.  She enjoyed helping other people and was always eager to lend a hand.  Those of us that were blessed to know her are grateful for the time we had with her.  She was a tender loving, generous spirit that will forever remain present and remembered in the lives and hearts of her family and friends.  Spending time with her family and friends and making memories was the heart and soul her life; she always had an overnight bag packed and ready to go just in case someone mention “road trip.”

Rita was an avid Red Wings hockey fan and rarely missed cheering them on in front of the TV.  She loved to play bingo and enjoyed reading newspapers and magazines, working on jigsaw puzzles and spoiling pets brought in by visitors.  

Rita was a kind and amazing mother, she is survived by her children:  Gary (Chris) Baier, Cathy (Brent Benson) Chaplin, Patti (Terry) Adams, Leann Baier, and Carol (Walter) Plitz all of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Stepdaughter Ruth (McPhail) Brady of Culleoka, TN, former daughter in law’s Sherrie Steele of Brimley and Frances Baier Brown of North Carolina, grandchildren, Lisa Baier, Aimee Baier, Jay Baier, Dale Chaplin, Derek (Brooke) Chaplin, Barbara (Chris) Goetz, Clifton (Samantha) Campbell, Laura (Anthony Bonacci) Campbell, Greg (Emily) Campbell, Paul (Mallory) Baier, Cody (Carley McGill) Bosbous, Rebecca (Pat) Gordon, Elizabeth (Travis) Gouge-Maney, Zachary (Taryn) Horton, Nicholas (Lauren) Horton, Kendra (Greg) Lund, Janel (Michael Vollick), Keith Plitz, and Seann (Mackenzie Kideon) Plitz, Kristeen  (Jeff) Brady Duren; great-grandchildren, Arionna (Ethan Crane), Reese, Kaedence, Rylan, Blake, Heath, Hazel, Kenzie, Blair, Brooklyn, Kaleb, Lauren, Nora, Sophia, Eleanor, Jay, Emma, Kona, Jacob, Brody, Aiden, Hope, Sophronia, Seanny, Tuckr, Holly;

Rita is also survived by her siblings Robert (Joyce) Myotte of Marlette, MI. and, Joanne (Rolland) Mayer of Sault Ste. Maire.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son Paul J. Baier, her husband Dale Baier and Lester McPhail; brother, Phil (Marilyn) Myotte, sisters, Leonna LaJoie, and Helen Beacom.  

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the care givers that went above and beyond to assist Rita, which allowed her to be right where she wanted, in her family home until the last moments of her life.  There will be a huge void in our hearts, for all that knew and loved her, though we are grateful that she is with the Lord and Savior now.  She earned her wings and is celebrating in Heaven with all her friends and family that have gone before her.  Now we celebrate her legacy, her impact, her story, and her loving spirit.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home on Friday, November 25, 2022, starting at 1:00 pm until funeral service being held at 3:00 pm at the funeral home.  Interment will be held at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens Cemetery in the spring.