Rita Linhardt, 74, Loose Creek, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia.
She was born on Aug. 16, 1952, to the late Clement and Marie (Oldelehr) Kliethermes in Jefferson City.
She was a graduate of Fatima High School and Lincoln University in Jefferson City.
Rita worked as a teacher in Linn, Rolla, Vienna and Immaculate Conception School and later worked for the Missouri Catholic Conference.
She was united in marriage to Dwight Linhardt Oct. 24, 1998, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.
Rita was preceded in death by parents, Clem and Marie; brothers, James and David Kliethermes; and nephew, Michael Kremer.
She is survived by husband, Dwight; children, Bret Kliethermes and wife Becky of O’Fallon, Joshua Kliethermes of Loose Creek, Amy Phillips of Blue Spring and Richard Linhardt of Jefferson City; seven grandchildren; sisters, Marian Kremer and husband Luke and Joan Backes and husband Herbert, both of Loose Creek; and brothers, Leon Kliethermes and wife Denise of Taos and Allen Kliethermes and wife Eva of Erie, Colo.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek, with Rev. William Debo officiating. Interment was in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Gregorian Masses or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
