Rita Jane Kenney

Rita K. Kenney, 94, of Burton, Ohio, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving daughters. She was born July 7, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Clifford G. and Lucile E. (Brandum) Kemmer. She graduated from Maumee High School and received her BA in Home Economics from Bowling Green State University. In 1955, she relocated to Burton to become the Home Economics agent for the Geauga Extension Service. It was there she met the love of her life, H. Dean Kenney, and they were married on October 20, 1956. Rita was a long-time 4-H advisor for the Burton Kloth Klippers. In 1969, she began working for Kenston School District teaching Home Economics and then Vocational Child Care, retiring in 1989. Rita was an active member of the Burton Congregational Church where she volunteered with the Food Pantry, the Scrappers Quilt group, and the Good Samaritan Dinners. She also served on the Geauga County Credit Union Board of Directors. Rita loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed many types of needle craftsincluding quilting and rug hooking. She also loved traveling and spending time in her garden. She leaves behind her daughters, Peggy (Bill) Flinta of Stow, Julia Hill of Ashtabula, and Mary (Ben) Balog of Montville; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Kaylee, David, Megan, Joshua, Bradley, and Jacob, and 9 great-grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, H. Dean Kenney in 1968. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street Middlefield, Ohio 44062. A Celebration of Her Life will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 11:30 AM, at the Burton Congregational Church, 14558 W Park St, Burton, OH 44021, with Pastor Bob Richardson officiating. She was laid to rest with her husband in Welton Cemetery in a private family graveside service.