Rita Linhardt

Rita Linhardt, age 74, of Loose Creek, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia.

Rita was born on August 16, 1952, in Jefferson City, Mo., a daughter to the late Clement and Marie (Oldelehr) Kliethermes.

She was a 1970 graduate of Fatima High School and continued her education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, with a Bachelor of Science Degree to teach social studies, speech and physical education. She spent thirteen years teaching in schools in Linn, Rolla, Vienna and Immaculate Conception School. In 1988, Rita then went to work for the Missouri Catholic Conference where she advocated for social justice issues and later retired after 34 years of service.

On October 24, 1998, she was united in marriage to Dwight Linhardt at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. Dwight survives at their home.

Rita was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek, the St. Ann Sodality, and the Willing Workers Club and volunteered her time with the Good Shepherd Food Pantry and Calvary Gift Shop. Her willingness to serve others was simply part of who she was.

Rita was a strong, hardworking woman with an outgoing personality and genuine love for people. She enjoyed visiting with others. She loved browsing antique shops, reading, and tending to her flowers. She also had a love for traveling, especially alongside Dwight, whether they were visiting family, seeing her son in California, honeymooning in Tennessee, or exploring places such as Texas, Iowa, Lake Tahoe and many other destinations. Wherever her travels took her, Rita treasured the time spent with those she loved and the memories they made together along the way.

Rita was incredibly talented with her hands and particularly enjoyed sewing and embroidery. She also enjoyed baking, and her family and friends particularly loved her pumpkin muffins.

Above everything else, she was a devoted wife and a fantastic mother. Her family was the center of her life, and she especially cherished being a grandmother. Rita will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her hardworking spirit, and the kindness she showed to those around her. She lived a life centered around family, service and caring for others, leaving behind countless memories and legacy of love that will continue through the generations of her family.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Dwight; children, Bret Kliethermes (Becky) of O’Fallon, Mo., Joshua Kliethermes of Loose Creek, Mo., Amy Phillips of Blue Springs, Mo., and Richard Linhardt of Jefferson City, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Madeline, Olivia, Jake and Scarlet Kliethermes, Lydia Phillips, Madison and Lauren Linhardt; sisters, Marian Kremer (Luke) and Joan Backes (Herbert), both of Loose Creek, Mo.; brothers, Leon Kliethermes (Denise) of Taos, Mo., and Allen Kliethermes (Eva) of Erie, Co.; sister-in-law, Edna Kliethermes of Linn, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Marie Kliethermes; brothers, James Kliethermes and David Kliethermes; and her nephew Michael Kremer.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Rev. William Debo as the Celebrant. Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Gregorian Masses in her memory or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel in Linn. www.mortonchapel.com