Leareta L. Clements

Leareta Lucille Harris Clements, lovingly known as Rita, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Rita was born to Orville and Nora (O'Day) Harris in Ravenwood, Missouri. The youngest of six children and the only daughter, Rita grew up north of Nodaway Lake, often walking or riding a horse to Canal Branch to meet the school bus. She graduated from Horace Mann in May of 1956. 

Rita learned the value of hard work early, helping her mother in the house and garden and her father with the chickens, goats and pigs. She worked at the Pickering Phone Office, Superior Cleaners, Corner Drug Store, and Holt Supply, where she fondly remembered the pulley system used to send orders upstairs. 

Throughout her rich and meaningful life, Rita was blessed with four cherished sons: Robert, Darren, Michael, and Dustin. She loved camping trips and family outings to Mt. Pleasant. Rita devoted herself to raising her boys before beginning a career with Casey's in 1985, where she worked until retiring in 2012. Known for her early-morning donut making and warm, social nature, she formed countless friendships with customers and co-workers. 

Outside of work, Rita enjoyed country music, dancing, sewing, crafting, and watching old westerns. She was well-known for her Christmas candy and breads, which she shared generously with friends and family. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Nora ; brothers Vincent Harris, Harold Harris, Gerald Harris, Donald Harris, and Norville Harris; and grandson Bradie Lee Clements. 

Rita is survived by her four sons and their families: Robert and Zylpha Duffy (Bedford, IA); Darren and Angee Clements (Maryville); Michael and Jennifer Clements (Pickering); and Dustin and Stephanie Clements (Pickering). Her  grandchildren include James, Beth Ann, and Megan Duffy; Michael Wiederholt; Blake, Benjamin, Blaine, Luke, Auston (Kelsey), Lexi, and Ridge Clements. Great-grandchildren include Angelo, Isaiah, Cameron, Christopher, Brianna, Arianna, C. Jae Duffy, Lyndy Clements, and Memphis Wiederholt. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nodaway Nursing Home in Maryville and their dedicated staff for the loving care they provided too Rita during her final years. Many of them became like family to her and shared with us how much they will miss her spirited personality and delightful orneriness.

Visitation will be held on Monday December 29, 2025, at Bram Funeral Home from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Bram Funeral Home, followed by burial at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Maryville. Lunch will be served at Laura Street Baptist Church for family and friends following the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner's Burn Center in Galveston, Texas; the American Diabetes Association; or the Bradie L. Clements Pay-It-Forward Memorial.