RITA M. THELEN WESTPHALIA, MI Age 96, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2012. She was born on February 23, 1916 in Westphalia, MI the daughter of Mathias and Anna (Fedewa) Hengesbach. Rita was married to Leonard Thelen for 67 years and enjoyed helping him on the farm. He preceded her in death on September 20, 2007. She carried along her love of flowers when she moved to Westphalia in 2000. She also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors who were very special to her. Rita loved her family and enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia and a member of the Christian Mothers Society. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerome, Alvin and Gilbert; sister, Helen Spitzley. She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Mia) Thelen of Owosso, Janet (Roy) Thelen, and Jeanne Sleight, both of Westphalia; 7 grandchildren, Ann Marie, Katie, Douglas, Robert, and Jon Thelen, Patricia Feldpausch, and Kristin Sleight; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Thelen. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Rev. James Conlon presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. A Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m., and a Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Complete arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes, Portland. On line condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.