Rita Perrault
NEGAUNEE, MI- Rita Helen Perrault, 95, lifelong Negaunee resident, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, April 17, 2025 at Eastwood Nursing Center while in the care of her loving family and UP Home Health and Hospice.
Rita was born June 3, 1929 in Negaunee to Casper and Louisa Ghiringhelli and graduated from Negaunee St. Paul High School, Class of 1947. She married the late Clifford ‘Pito’ Perrault, they raised their family in Negaunee and enjoyed 41 years together before his passing.
Rita retired from Snyder’s Pharmacy as a clerk, and in her younger years she worked at Cain’s News and Ghiardi’s Grocery Store. She loved baking, cooking, playing cribbage and smear, reading and was an avid fan of Lawrence Welk. In earlier years, she and Pito enjoyed dancing nearly every weekend.
Surviving are her loving companion of 30 years, William Ray Dobson, and his daughter, Sara (Johnny) Kero; son, Joseph (Joanne) Perrault of Negaunee; daughter, Rita (Reino) Laitinen of Negaunee Township; grandchildren: Jason Perrault and Jackie (Eric) Salonen; great-grandchildren: Gabe and Grayson Salonen and Kyler Perrault; a very special niece, Mary Savitski; brother-in-law, Ray (Carol) Perrault; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Clifford; brothers: Louis and Emil Ghiringhelli; and sisters: Ermma Bertocchi and Teresa Toigo.
Honoring Rita’s wishes, no public services will be held. Entombment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.
Mrs. Perrault’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
