Rita S. Brinneman, 69, of Bluffton, passed away on Tuesday morning, Aug. 26, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Rita was born on Jan. 24, 1956, in Wells County to Lester E. and Joyce E. (Gilbert) Roberts. She graduated from Norwell High School in 1974, then studied at Ball State University for four years. She worked for North American Van Lines from 1978 until 2001. She then worked for Accelerated International until 2020. She was an ISWA Pairing Official. Rita was a member of the Lutheran Church (ECLA). She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family and playing cards and dice games. She loved being outdoors.
On May 12, 1979, Rita and David Brinneman were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The couple were blessed with 46 years of marriage.
Survivors include her husband, David Brinneman of Bluffton; a daughter, Amanda (James) Kelley of Craigville; and a son, Ted (Holly) Brinneman of Columbia City. She was a loving grandma to 16 grandchildren, Logan (Caitlin) Staples, Madison (Ashton) Miller, Alyvia Schaller, Emmalee Kelley, Maddox Kelley, Bree (Christian) Enustun, MaKenzie Kelley, Alexis Kelley, Austin Kelley, Sydney Brinneman, Kyren Brinneman, Kelby Brinneman, Keyani Brinneman, Cole Patton, Baylie Patton and Hudson Patton; and one great-grandson, Beckham Kelley. She will be remembered by her siblings, Kim (Jan) Roberts of Cape Coral, Florida, Amy (Dave) Kreigh of Ossian, Lori (Dave) Lowe of Indianapolis, Melissa (Todd) Graft of Coldwater, Michigan and Jennifer (Jerry) Meyer of Bluffton.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and a son Steve Brinneman.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home.
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 12 noon. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Bluffton.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research or Wounded Warrior Project and may be directed through the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.