- Date Of Birth: September 4, 1932
- Date Of Death: November 12, 2021
- State: Michigan
Rita Klimp, a dearly loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went to her heavenly home on Friday, November 12, 2021, at age 89. She was born September 4, 1932, in Kalamazoo, MI, the youngest daughter of Gordon and Eloise (Barnum) Plough.
Rita attended Kalamazoo Central High School and Parsons Business School. In her 20’s, she worked at the Kalamazoo Gazette, WKZO and then managed the Beverly Studio as a portrait photographer and oil painter. Later in life she sold Avon products and was a receptionist for Langeland Chapels.
On October 10, 1959, Rita married Robert “Bob” Klimp at Grace CRC where they attended their entire married life. They were married for 58 years before his death on September 25, 2017.
Rita’s passion in life was her family. Her favorite events were birthdays and holidays. She and Bob also brought the family together for a week each summer in South Haven where priceless memories were made. They followed their grandchildren’s activities, rarely missing a sporting event, concert, play or recital.
Rita was a dear friend to many and enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast, lunch or dinner. She and Bob also loved to travel. In the early years the family enjoyed annual vacations to Glen Lake and camping trips to locations around the USA. After Bob’s retirement, they enjoyed countless trips with friends including cruises, Europe, Hawaii and annual trips to Perdido Key, Florida.
Rita was also preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Richard Plough, Lois Plough, and Janice Clemens. Rita is survived by her daughters, Terri (Tom) Scheffers of Kalamazoo and Carla (Jim) VanDokkumburg of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Bryan (Michelle) Scheffers, Kristin (Carlos) Sustaita, Corey (Alyssa) Scheffers, Jameson VanDokkumburg and Elena VanDokkumburg; great-grandchildren, Elliot, Bennett, and Emi Kate Scheffers, Emery and Arya Sustaita and nephews, Darrell Plough, and Ken Clemens.
