Rita Clements (Meinertz), age 87, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Born on December 11, 1937,in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Rita lived a life filled with joy, devotion, and an unwavering spirit that touched everyone she encountered.

Rita began her working life as a grocery store clerk in her hometown of La Crosse. After marrying and starting a family, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother. Once her children were grown, Rita returned to the workforce and found fulfillment working at Geifman and later at Hy-Vee, where she eventually retired. Her time at Hy-Vee left a lasting impression—so much so that a former employer described her as “a longtime friend and very popular person in our Hy-Vee family,” a testament to the warmth and camaraderie she brought to every workplace.

Family was the heart of Rita’s world. She is lovingly remembered by her sons Dan Clements (Nancy Sheppard), Joseph Clements (Diane Pena), and Tom Clements (Andrea Weimann); her grandchildren Emma, Ted, Sam (children of Dan), Zachary, wife Jacque and Alexander, wife Loren (children of Joseph); and great-grandchildren Everett and Willa (children of Emma), and Cashius (child of Alexander). Her beloved grand-dogs Penny (Tom) and Ginger (Joseph) also held a special place in her heart.

Rita is also survived by her sister Pat Hanzlik (Ed Carson), brothers Bernie Meinertz (Vicki) and Jack Meinertz (Linda), brother in-law Dennie Servais, sister in-law Ruth Meinertz (Seidel), and longtime friend John Seabloom. She was preceded in death by her husband Archie Clements; parents Ed and Virginia Meinertz; brother Bob Meinertz: sister Nancy Servais: and brother in-law Ken Hanzlik.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, Rita’s faith was central to who she was. Her spirituality guided her actions and gave strength to those around her. She found joy in attending Mass regularly and lived out the values of compassion, kindness, and gratitude each day.

Rita had an infectious zest for life. She loved playing games—especially card games like Uno, Euchre, Cribbage—and dice games such as Bunco. Whether it was Aggravation or Dominoes, Rita always played to win but never lost sight of the fun. Her competitive spirit was matched only by the laughter she inspired during every game night.

Travel was another passion that brought Rita immense happiness. She explored Alaska’s rugged beauty, basked in Hawaii’s warmth, wandered through Europe’s historic streets, and journeyed across the United States—each trip adding new stories to share with friends and family.

To know Rita was truly to love her. Every gathering became a celebration when she was present—whether she was mixing up a favorite cocktail or recounting tales from her youth with sparkle in her eyes. She cherished every card sent to her by friends or family members, carefully saving them along with notes that helped preserve each treasured memory.

Her nieces and nephews remember her as someone who made an indelible impression on their lives—uplifting them with humor, wisdom, and unconditional love. Even those who met Rita only briefly often walked away feeling they had gained a lifelong friend.

Rita's legacy is one of joyfulness, deep faith, fierce loyalty to loved ones, and an enduring ability to bring people together through laughter and love.

May the memory of Rita Clements bring comfort to all who knew her—and may we continue to celebrate the vibrant spirit she shared so generously with the world.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Chism Family Funeral Home, 769 Highland Ave, Vine Grove KY 40175.

A prayer service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the chapel of Chism Family Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life for all friends and family at the Knights of Columbus, 312 E Main St, Vine Grove KY 40175.

Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Illinois at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Rita to American Legion Hardin Post 113, 1251 Ring Rd, Elizabethtown KY 42701.