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Author: chastain
17

Rita Lea ClampittPassing: December 24, 2023

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Friday, December 29th @ 10:30am

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Thursday, December 28th @ 4:00pm-7:00pm

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Friday, December 29th

MITCHELL – Rita Lea Clampitt, 82, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Mitchell Manor.

Born January 8, 1941, in Mitchell, she was the daughter of Robert Sanford and Ruth Virginia (Barnett) Chastain.  She married Robert Dean Clampitt on August 20, 1983 and he preceded her in death March 5, 2013.

Rita worked as a bartender at Annie’s and Jack’s and drove the City of Mitchell bus. She ran the loom in the village at Spring Mill for many years. Rita was a member of American Legion Post 250 Auxiliary and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9107 Auxiliary. She was the matriarch of the family and loved them dearly. Rita enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughters, Jan (Brian Kessler) Reynolds of Mitchell and Judi (Jake) Taylor of Mitchell; step son, Jeff (Brenda) Clampitt of Bloomington; grandchildren, Jamie (Elvis) Mattingly, Donnie (Carlie) Spires, and Jennifer (Ricky Arp) Grace; great grandchildren, Shaelee, Maken, Ella, Maddy, Cooper, Knox, Conlie, and Addison; and great great grandson, Jaxson.

Her parents; husband; and siblings, Ronnie Chastain, Ruth Ann Kelley, and Rhea Dawn Hunt, preceded her in death.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 29, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Reverend Steve Jones officiating.  Burial will follow in Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

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17 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Christina Dawn Williams | Northwestern, Ohio
    Date: January 1, 2024
    We were very sorry to hear about the passing of Rita Lee. When we read Rita Lee’s obituary, we learned that Rhea Dawn had passed earlier in 2023. Our condolences to the entire family regarding both of your losses. My mother and Rhea Dawn were good friends growing up in Mitchell. I was told that when they were young, they made a plan to name one of their children after each other. My middle name is Dawn and my mother’s name was Christina. My mom and Rhea Dawn stayed friends throughout the years. I remember many times my mom traveling to Mitchell and Salem to visit with Rita and Rhea Dawn. When she came home you could tell that she had had a great time laughing and talking with her friends. Sadly, my mom passed away in December of 2019 so I can understand the grief you all have been enduring with their passing. May God bless you all and I pray time helps to heal your wounds. We just wanted to let you know that me, my sisters and my Aunt Susie and Uncle Wayne are thinking of you all.
  2. Guest: Rhonda Harrell | Lexington Kentucky
    Date: December 31, 2023
    I have loved your Mom from the day I met her for the love and kindness she had towards everyone. Remember that love and sweet memories you shared and that will help ease the pain. I’m so sorry for your loss.
  3. Guest: Kimberly Tuddy | Huron, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2023
    Dear Judi Deli, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love always, Kimmy Checker..
  4. Guest: Mike Grimes | Muncie , In
    Date: December 28, 2023
    My deepest sympathies to the family. I will keep you all in my prayers. 🙏
  5. Guest: Erica, Justin Pickett & kids | Bedford Indiana
    Date: December 28, 2023
    We're friends of Christopher "Axel" Chastain & we just wanted to show/send our deepest condolences to the Clampitt/Chastain family! Our hearts and prayers go out to you all! 🙏🏻
  6. Guest: Glen D. Stroud | Athens, Ga.
    Date: December 27, 2023
    Worked with Rita at Spring Mill. Rita was a dear friend.
  7. Guest: Larry Allen Meredith | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: December 27, 2023
    I remember riding the bus.
  8. Guest: Jan Dalton | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: December 27, 2023
    Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. I will send up prayers of comfort and peace for you and your family.
  9. Guest: Mary Lagle | Mitchell, In
    Date: December 27, 2023
    Jan and Judi, I am so very sorry Love and prayers for comfort. Gerry and Pauline Lagle
  10. Guest: Jackie Tanksley Riester | Vincennes, In
    Date: December 27, 2023
    Jan and Judy I am so sorry for your loss of your dear mother. I have some fond memories of Aunt Rita. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.
  11. Guest: Cindy Ryan | Canberra, Australia
    Date: December 27, 2023
    I'm so sorry for your loss Sis's. I know your mom and granny meant so much to you all. I'm glad I got to see her at Shaelee's baby shower. Definitely a fun time I won't forget that mischievous side of Rita. You all are in my prayers and have my condolences. Love you all so much. I would be there if I could. Hugggsss
  12. Guest: Anita Holt Browne | Savannah GA
    Date: December 26, 2023
    Remember her from Woodville Baptist church. My Mom Mary Holt was always talking to her
  13. Guest: Michelle Henderson | Lexington, Kentucky
    Date: December 26, 2023
    Rita was always a part of our family my entire life. She was always an encouragement and very loving. She is loved and missed dearly. I love you all. My condolensces- Shelly
  14. Guest: Joann king and Mike | Martinsville in
    Date: December 26, 2023
    We will miss Rita She was a good friend we all had a few good laughs sorry for your loss.
  15. Guest: Kathy Hornocker | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: December 26, 2023
    So very sorry for your loss You all are in my prayers. Love you
  16. Guest: Michelle | Orleans
    Date: December 26, 2023
    We are so sorry for your loss Jan, Judi and family. Your Mom was a great lady ❤. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
  17. Guest: Robin Wilson | Huron, In
    Date: December 26, 2023
    Hugs & Prayers to all of you. I always enjoyed talking to Rita when I seen her. The Lord has given you many wonderful memories.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center