Rita Jane Climie

Rita Jane Climie, 97, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, passed away on July 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born September 25, 1928, in Muncie, Indiana, to Andrew Keppler and Frances LaBay Keppler.

Rita attended Ball State University and worked in a number of clerical and retail positions over the years in Muncie, Greencastle, and Marion, Indiana.

A talented musician, Rita played the piano, but her true love was the accordion. Throughout the 1940s, she performed at many venues — as a soloist, in duets, and with groups — sharing her music wherever she went.

In the 1950s, Rita lived for a few years in La Jolla, California, which she always said was one of her favorite places.

Rita made her home in Fairfield Glade for more than 40 years, and she filled those years to the brim. A warm and social woman, she loved card parties, dinner engagements, and loved to dance. She was a member of New Generations Dance Club in Fairfield Glade, she attended the Big Band era events, always dressed “to the nines”. She traveled the world on many cruises with great enthusiasm.

She was a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fairfield Glade, where she served in the Council of Catholic Women. For many years she also volunteered with the Cumberland Medical Center Auxiliary. Always on the go, Rita gave her time generously to the social and charitable life of her community.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele Alfont of San Diego and Fairfield Glade: her son, Kevin Alfont (Cynthia) of Knoxville, Tennessee; and her grandchildren, Savannah Greco (Chandler) and Andrew Alfont (Halie), both of Knoxville. Tennessee. For the last 15 years, she was the loving companion of her gentleman friend, Andrew Bishko. Rita lived a long, full, and joyful life, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dale Alfont, Charles Tuttle, and Claudie Climie, and by her sister, Grace Tuttle.

Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Friday, October 30, at 10:00 AM.