Rita Mae Klingshirn

Rita Mae (Niese) Klingshirn age 87, of Leipsic, formerly of Holgate, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Meadows of Leipsic. Typical of Mom, she passed on her terms defying what her caregivers would expect to see in the last few weeks of life.

Rita was born May 3, 1938 to Raymond and Rosena (Drummelsmith) Niese in Miller City, Ohio. She graduated from Miller City High School in 1957. On May 9, 1959, she married Vincent Klingshirn who preceded her in death on January 8, 2017.

She was employed at Campbell Soup in Napoleon until she became a stay at home mom. As the children grew, Rita helped out in the family business - Vince’s TV & Appliance. Rita was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church as well as a member of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia and the Sacred Heart Rosary Altar Society. She also volunteered her time at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Most importantly Rita enjoyed spending time with family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved playing bingo, crafting, shopping and trips to Shipshewana with her friends and bowling buddies. She also made many friends in Florida where she and Vince spent winters after retirement.

Rita came to live at the Meadows of Leipsic, where she participated in many activities and made some wonderful friendships with staff and residents. Rita is survived by her children Joyce Smith, Toledo, Dave (Tammy) Klingshirn, New Bavaria, Lisa (Marc) Arce, Brewster Massachusetts, and Cheryl (Trevor) Shively, Hamler; grandchildren: Patrick Smith, Derek (Meredith) Klingshirn, Garrett Klingshirn, Everett Klingshirn, Joseph (Kendall) Shively, Holly (Andrew) Beyer; and great grandchildren: Micah West, Mack, Maevyn, and Maxwell Klingshirn, Julia and Vincent Beyer, Laiklin Evers, and Ruger Shively. She is also survived by her niece Cathy (Doug) Irick and nephews Ray (Cindy) Ford, and Mike (Rebecca) Ford. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Evelyn Ford, brother-in-law Glenn Ford, and sister-in-law Alice Klingshirn.

Friends will be received in the Zachrich Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate on Wednesday, March 11 from 3-7 pm. The family will greet friends again at 9:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria on Thursday, March 12, 2026 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am with Father Nick Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. We would like to thank the staff from the Meadows of Leipsic and the Putnam County HomeCare and Hospice for their kindness, love and compassionate care. Contributions made in Rita’s memory can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Putnam County HomeCare and Hospice.