Rita Josephine Holtzman

Rita Josephine Holtzman, 79, of Owensboro, passed away on October 16, 2023. She was born in Evansville, IN. on November 1, 1943, to the late Arthur and Evelyn Hagedorn Leclere. She was the third child in a family of ten. 
Rita Jo moved to Perry County as a baby while her father was in the Navy during World War II. She completed her education at Tell City High School. During her senior year, she met her soulmate, Gerald "Jerry" Holtzman, and they tied the knot on July 6, 1963. Initially, they settled in Owensboro, where they nurtured their family. Once their children were grown, they spent seven years in Denver, Colorado, then returned to Owensboro for their retirement and to stay close to their family.

Family was the centerpiece of Rita Jo's life, encompassing her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Her faith as a Catholic was another anchor in her life. A sports enthusiast, she ardently supported Notre Dame Football, the New York Yankees, and the Kentucky Wildcats and loved watching tennis.
Rita Jo was a pillar in her community. She made significant contributions as a member of the Immaculate School Board, a Cub Scout and Brownie Leader, a Religious Education teacher, served on the board of the Senior Citizen Center, and volunteered at the Daniel Patino Shelter. Rita Jo also spearheaded an emergency assistance program at her church in Colorado. Her dedication was recognized through several accolades, and she played a pivotal role in initiating the Share Colorado Food Program at her church.

She found solace in hand sewing, tackling crossword puzzles, and delving into books. Rita Jo was also an integral part of the Owensboro Duplicate Bridge Club, where she achieved the status of Life Master and actively participated on the board and various committees.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Joseph in infancy, brother Jim Leclere (Pam), sister Betty Stiles, great-grandson Josiah Grayson, brother-in-law Bill Goffinet, sister-in-law Diann Schmitt, and her in-laws Clarence and Agnella Holtzman.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 60 years, Jerry Holtzman; her children, Dean (Valerie) Holtzman of LaGrange, KY, Duane (Julie) Holtzman of Evansville, IN, Jerri Holtzman of Evansville, IN, and Mary Beth (Ronnie) Franklin of Alvin, TX, siblings; Dolores Goffinet, Mary (Joe) Daum, John Leclere, Jean (Deo) Schultheis, brother-in-law Wayne Stiles, all of Tell City, In., Bernard (Connie) Leclere of Yardley, PA., and Rick Leclere of Vincennes, IN; brother-in-law Larry (Gae) of Huntingburg, IN., sister-in-law Patricia (Tony) Lockart of Sparta, TN,  and brother-in-law John Schmitt of Owensboro. There are 18 grandchildren to remember her: Ryan (Stevie) Holtzman, Hilary (Max) Fisher, both of LaGrange, Ky., Clere and Dawson Franklin of Texas, Maddi Pierce-Holtzman, Owen Holtzman, Noah Holtzman, Amy Grayson, Chris (Amber) Kirk, Brad (Britany) Kirk, Melissa Kirk, all of Evansville, In., Josh (Erika) Kirk of San Antonio, Tx and 20 great-grandchildren. 

The funeral Mass for Rita Josephine Holtzman will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Saint Stephen Cathedral with Father John Vaughan officiating. Visitation will be from 2 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with prayers at 6 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will start at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral. A committal service will follow Mass at Resurrection Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Benedict's Homeless Shelter, St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, and smiling at someone every day, a gift so free.

Messages and condolences for the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.