Rita Michael

Rita Joyce Michael lost a courageous four-year battle with endometrial cancer on June 14, 2014, at the age of 62. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after remaining upbeat throughout her journey.
Survivors include her beloved husband of 30 years, Mel Michael of Plano, an adored daughter Rachel Michael of Plano, two stepdaughters Melissa Fletcher and husband Josh, and Megan Lane, husband Dan and daughter Rory. She also leaves behind her mother Bernice Kutscherousky, brothers Thomas Kutscherousky and wife Bernadette, Dennis Kutscherousky and wife Jane, Mark Kutscherousky and wife Kathy, Adrian Kutscherousky, Tim Kutscherousky, and Gerald Kutscherousky and wife Vicki, sisters Annette Phipps, Deanna Marek and husband Michael, Mary Piske, Caroline Sullins and husband Tim, Karen Schaeper and brother-in-law James Carlile, mother-in-law Carolyn Stubbs, brothers-in-law Randal Michael and wife Cindy, and Al Michael and wife Pam as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Rita is preceded in death by her father August John Kutscherousky, infant sibling Ann Kutscherousky, sister Denise Carlile, niece Ashton Marek and nephew Chase Kutscherousky.
Rita was born July 24, 1951 in Waco, Texas to August John and Bernice Leona Kutscherousky. She was raised with her brothers and sisters in West, Texas and attended St. Mary's Catholic School and West High School, graduating in 1969. While working full time and raising her family, Rita earned an associate's degree from Collin County Community College.
As a young woman she traveled extensively, traversing the United States and Mexico, and her love of travel stayed with her through her entire life. She regularly went on "sister trips" with her sisters, strengthening the already solid and incredibly special bond they shared.
Her enjoyment of dancing led her to her true love, Mel, in 1982, when they hit it off at a country and western dance hall. Throughout their 30 years of marriage, they danced every dance they could together, always moving in perfect rhythm.
Rita was a devoted mother to Rachel; they had a very special relationship and, as Rachel grew up, they became best friends as well as mother and daughter. Rita looked on proudly as Rachel achieved each milestone, and both Mel and Rachel were by Rita's side constantly as she valiantly battled cancer.
She enjoyed all things outdoors; she loved the sunshine, planting and tending her gardens and spending time at the family ranch near Wortham. She was vivacious and full of energy, with a beautiful smile that lit every room she walked into.
She was a devout member of St. Mark's Catholic Church, where she was involved with the St. Mark's Rosary Makers and had many friends. The church community brought enormous comfort to Rita and her family during her illness.
Rita loved, and was loved by, so manyand while we will celebrate her in all the years to come, we will always miss her and the joy she carried with her.
The family will receive friends at a visitation from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at St. Mark's Parish Hall, 1105 W. 15th St., Plano, Texas 75075 (NW corner of 15th St and Alma Dr). The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Dr., Plano, Texas 75075. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.