Rita L. Kline

Rita L. Kline, 88, of Shalersville, passed away peacefully, on December 5th, 2023 at her residence, Vista Veranda. She was surrounded by family and caretakers who loved her dearly. Rita was born October 12, 1935 in Paris Township, Ohio to the late Bryan and Gladys (Porter) Kropp. Her early years were spent on their family sod farm until World War II when her family was forced to relocate to Shalersville, while their former home became part of the Ravenna Arsenal. Rita had many jobs within her adult lifetime such as Skorman’s, 5 & 10, Fashion 220, Sea World, and Aurora Pharmacy. When it came time, she retired from the Portage County Courthouse as a Clerk. She married Vernon J. Kline, February, 22nd, 1963. A couple years later, they started a family by adopting John and later welcomed two other kids, Jennifer and Jason. She continued their life on their farm in Shalersville until Rita was moved to Vista Veranda in 2020 at 85 years young. She was well known for her baked goods, arts and crafts, and her sewing. Some of her favorite hobbies were making handmade pot holders, that are in kitchens across Portage County, and popsicle sled ornaments with the birth information of a new born baby, to which she would make and give to truly anyone she would meet. In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, and her siblings, Virgil Kropp, Betty Fisher, Dale Kropp, and Donny Kropp. She is survived by her children, John (Mary) Kline, Jennifer (Dean) Engelhart, and Jason (Debrah) Kline. Her grandchildren Shanley Kline, Reilly Kline, Jordan (Kelly) Engelhart, Sydney Engelhart, Brooke Engelhart, Jacey Luzny, Griffin Kline, and Daphne Kline. Lasty, her great grandchildren, Garrett, Lauralee, and Joel. A huge thank you to those at VIsta and Affinity Hospice for caring for Rita as family, not only a patient. In honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life may be held at a later date.