Rita Ann Kinney
June 23rd, 1936 - June 22nd, 2025
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Rita's Obituary
Faith and family were the true hallmarks of Rita Kinney’s remarkable life.
Rita passed away peacefully at Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center in St. Joseph. Michigan on June 22, 2025.
She always said her life truly began when she met “her Jack” at St. John’s Catholic School in Benton Harbor, Michigan. They married June 11, 1955. They built an extraordinary life together and raised five children, Ann (Patrick O’Brien), John (Mary), Timothy, Carol Ann (Warren Rose), Jacquelyn (Tony Monte).
Rita was a member and supporter of many local charities and organizations, including Civic Benefit, Monday Musical, Birthright, and Garden Club. She also volunteered at Memorial Hospital.Rita’s pastimes included watching birds in her backyard, hosting tea parties with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing the piano for her family. With a natural musical ear, she often played without the aid of sheet music. As an avid gardener, she would carefully select all the plants and trees of their homes’ landscaping. She took the same level of care for each of their homes’ interiors. Both of these passions she had passed down to her children.
While spending winters in Florida, Rita learned how to weave Nantucket baskets. These beautiful baskets caught Rita’s young and discerning eye during her time on Nantucket Island, where her husband Jack was stationed in the US Navy. She was quick to note all the well-heeled women of the island were carrying them. It was not long before she too acquired her own. Years later, she was able to receive instructions from the granddaughter of the gentleman that made her original basket. During these sessions she made numerous baskets for her own enjoyment.
Jack and Rita loved to snow and water ski, play tennis and golf. Whatever Jack did, Rita would give it a go too. Although she never learned to swim, she was a graceful and confident slalom water skier.
They traveled and enjoyed years in Florida and northern Michigan. The cottage at Sister Lakes also held a very special place in their hearts.
In addition to her children, she is survived by grandchildren Catherine (Scott) Wagner, Meghan O’Brien, Erin (fiance, Max Hamlin) Kinney, Henry Kinney, Frances Rose, Sam (Krysten) Monte, Sarah (Jake) Lancaster, Hannah (Ryan) Kaye.
Rita adored and was completely charmed by her great grandchildren Colin and Ryan Wagner, Mariella and Bridget Lancaster, Amelia and Anthony John Monte. Two more babies on the way would make eight!
Rita is predeceased by her husband John James Kinney III and her grandson John David Kinney.
After their longest separation of 6 months, we are comforted in knowing our mom is once again reunited with “her Jack.” We will miss her charm, endless love, hugs, “I love yous”, warm smiles and shy giggles. We will carry her in our hearts until we meet again.
Rita’s family extends its gratitude to her personal care team at Avid Health at Home, and the caring staff of Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. A private burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery where her family will see Rita laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Jack. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 5PM until 6:30PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127 and Birthright of St. Joseph, 2700 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Rita passed away peacefully at Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center in St. Joseph. Michigan on June 22, 2025.
She always said her life truly began when she met “her Jack” at St. John’s Catholic School in Benton Harbor, Michigan. They married June 11, 1955. They built an extraordinary life together and raised five children, Ann (Patrick O’Brien), John (Mary), Timothy, Carol Ann (Warren Rose), Jacquelyn (Tony Monte).
Rita was a member and supporter of many local charities and organizations, including Civic Benefit, Monday Musical, Birthright, and Garden Club. She also volunteered at Memorial Hospital.Rita’s pastimes included watching birds in her backyard, hosting tea parties with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing the piano for her family. With a natural musical ear, she often played without the aid of sheet music. As an avid gardener, she would carefully select all the plants and trees of their homes’ landscaping. She took the same level of care for each of their homes’ interiors. Both of these passions she had passed down to her children.
While spending winters in Florida, Rita learned how to weave Nantucket baskets. These beautiful baskets caught Rita’s young and discerning eye during her time on Nantucket Island, where her husband Jack was stationed in the US Navy. She was quick to note all the well-heeled women of the island were carrying them. It was not long before she too acquired her own. Years later, she was able to receive instructions from the granddaughter of the gentleman that made her original basket. During these sessions she made numerous baskets for her own enjoyment.
Jack and Rita loved to snow and water ski, play tennis and golf. Whatever Jack did, Rita would give it a go too. Although she never learned to swim, she was a graceful and confident slalom water skier.
They traveled and enjoyed years in Florida and northern Michigan. The cottage at Sister Lakes also held a very special place in their hearts.
In addition to her children, she is survived by grandchildren Catherine (Scott) Wagner, Meghan O’Brien, Erin (fiance, Max Hamlin) Kinney, Henry Kinney, Frances Rose, Sam (Krysten) Monte, Sarah (Jake) Lancaster, Hannah (Ryan) Kaye.
Rita adored and was completely charmed by her great grandchildren Colin and Ryan Wagner, Mariella and Bridget Lancaster, Amelia and Anthony John Monte. Two more babies on the way would make eight!
Rita is predeceased by her husband John James Kinney III and her grandson John David Kinney.
After their longest separation of 6 months, we are comforted in knowing our mom is once again reunited with “her Jack.” We will miss her charm, endless love, hugs, “I love yous”, warm smiles and shy giggles. We will carry her in our hearts until we meet again.
Rita’s family extends its gratitude to her personal care team at Avid Health at Home, and the caring staff of Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. A private burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery where her family will see Rita laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Jack. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 5PM until 6:30PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127 and Birthright of St. Joseph, 2700 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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Additional Visitation Information
A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M.