North Star Golf Course

We have some sad news to share. Rita Smith passed away this week. She was a 4-time Club Champion here at North Star. She was a very nice person and always fun to talk with. We will miss you Rita ❤️ Prayers go our to the entire Smith Family. We have lost 2 Lady Legends around here this last year. Rita and Jan Davis were fantastic players but even better people.

Rita Ann Smith, age 68, of Pompeii, MI, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Carson, Carson City, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Burial will take place at Payne Cemetery Fulton Twp, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Rita was born in Huntington, Indiana on February 27, 1958, the daughter of Curtis A. and Mary Stella Louise (Gates) Musselman. She was a graduate of Breckenridge High School. On August 22, 1986, she married Terry Smith in Ithaca, MI.
Rita worked at K-Mart in Alma for 35 years. She loved playing golf and was Women's Club Champion at North Star Golf Course for 3 years in a row. Rita enjoyed fishing and loved collecting bells and cookie jars. She got a bell from everywhere she visited and for special events. Rita also enjoyed going to the casino and pulling the arm on the slot machines. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family. Rita helped in raising 17 family members.
She is survived by her husband Terry Smith; her daughter Erin and Fernando Sanchez; her daughter Nichole Smith; her son Chase and Krystal Smith; grandchildren: Tanesha Gadlen, Markes Gadlen, Aaliyah Gadlen, Christiano Smith, Gabriella Nava, Mateo Nava, and Devante Nava; brother Ed and Carol Musselman; brother Tim and Rachel Musselman; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces and 2 nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her parents Curtis and Mary Musselman.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

The Season is quickly approaching! Can't wait to see everyone coming back and the new golfers joining us!!!

The North Star Golf Course will be closed tomorrow, November 4th for green aeration⛳️

We wrapped up the Fall League yesterday. Congrats to the top three finishers! It was great time and Dawn Blemaster made an incredible fun night meal! We were very lucky to have great weather, which we are grateful for. Bummed the season is coming to an end here shortly, because it has been a great year! Thank you to all who played leagues, open golf, charity scrambles, and other events throughout the 2025 Season! We appreciate you all so much! It wouldn't be what it is here without all of you!

1st Place
Jim Blemaster and Randy Flegel

2nd Place
Richard W. Gilles and Gene Essex

3rd Place
Ken Grant and Larry Young

Open golf all weekend! Come on out and try our Fall Fusion drink, 🍎it's delicious!🍁Call for tee times⛳️

The Wednesday Night Men's League Championship match is headed out! May the best team win! Justin Welch, Cole Welch vs Brian Katich and Gary Abbott!