Rhea Jean Menza, 73, of Kingsford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and unconditional love.

Born on October 7, 1952, and raised in Loretto, Michigan, Rhea lived life with a spirit that was impossible to ignore. If you ever heard a familiar jingle approaching, it wasn’t church bells, a ringing phone, or an alarm clock—it was Rhea. The sound of her countless bracelets, necklaces, and rings announced her arrival long before she walked through the door. She loved her jewelry so much that her family often joked she would be buried with more treasures than King Tut himself.

Rhea shared a special bond with her sisters, Lynn and Loni, but her relationship with Loni was truly one of a kind. They were more than sisters—they were best friends. Together, they raised their families side by side, creating a bond that extended far beyond themselves. Whether they were spending summer days floating in the pool or finding themselves lost on yet another road trip adventure, they were rarely far apart. Lynn’s handmade quilts were especially cherished by Rhea, each one a tangible reminder of love stitched into their family story.

She found joy in life’s simple comforts. On cool fall evenings, she could often be found tucked into bed on Olympic Street with a Mountain Dew in hand, a bag of the cheesiest Cheetos nearby, and the television on before she drifted off to sleep. She enjoyed quiet mornings in her favorite recliner, reading the local paper and keeping up with everything happening around town.

From that recliner, she had a front-row seat to the lives of her daughters and the many people who came through her door. Her home was a gathering place where family, friends, neighbors, and even the occasional stranger were welcomed with open arms. To know Rhea was to know that there was always room for one more at the table.

While she loved being a mother, her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was becoming a grandmother. Her grandchildren—Reece, Jayce, Myla, Walter, Finn, and Max—were the lights of her life. She spoiled them shamelessly, often showing up with more outfits, gifts, and treats than they could possibly need. There was never any doubt how much Grandma loved her grandchildren.

Known for her fiery spirit and quick wit, Rhea was never afraid to speak her mind. She could be stubborn, sassy, and hilariously honest, but she loved fiercely. The holidays, despite her playful complaints about all the work, were one of her favorite times of year. Her kitchen filled with mountains of cookies, loud conversations, laughter, and the ever-changing cast of characters who joined family gatherings. Long after everyone else had eaten, Rhea and Loni could often be found in the kitchen, passionately negotiating who would take home the leftovers.

Rhea’s life was filled with humor, family traditions, unwavering love, and countless stories that will continue to be shared for generations. She leaves behind a collection of cherished memories and a family who will forever hear the gentle jingle of bracelets and necklaces and think of her.

She is survived by her three daughters, Morgen (Michael Lacombe) Menza, Whitney (Dustin Kohler) Beauchamp, and Alyse (Brian) Driscoll; her sisters, Lynn Girard Edwards and Loni Pietrantonio; her beloved grandchildren, Reece Ritchie, Jayce Schrandt, Myla Beauchamp, Walter Beauchamp, Finnegan Driscoll, and Maxwell Driscoll; her nephew, Chase (Tara) Pietrantonio and his children, Gavin, Payton and Bayler; her niece, Kate Edwards; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Meriel and Janice Girard. Along with an infant brother, Peter David.

Though she will be deeply missed, her laughter, her spirit, and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rest peacefully, Rhea. Your story will never be forgotten.

Services will be held on Friday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford. A luncheon will be held after the service.