Rita Clark Rettinger

Rita graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in education. She used her degree and specialized knowledge to be a physical education teacher and women’s basketball coach in several schools with most of her career spent at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh.

Rita was actively involved in Providence Baptist Church; an avid gardener and ran a successful business as an orchid sitter for thousands of orchids, was an expert seamstress creating beautiful wall hangings, blankets and costumes for her grandchildren; and played bridge with numerous friends many times a month. She loved to travel and bird watch in Hawaii and Costa Rica. Rita also loved and spoiled her two dogs, Izzy and Katie who brought many years of ball throwing, games, and joy to the Rettinger home.

Rita was preceded in death by her father, Garnet Clark, and her mother, Catherine Morris Clark.

Rita is survived by her husband Wayne, son David (Laura) with grandchildren Emry Anne McClelland and Molly Louise McClelland; son Adam (Rachel) with grandchildren Billie-Jean Rainer Leher and Delilah Garnet Leher and blended family daughter Leigh Anne (Mark). She is also survived by her brother Ewel (Carolyn) nieces Brittany Clark and Kristin Clark and nephew Jason Clark.

The family would like to thank loyal friends Hope Colton, Tina Wall, and Anne Sayre for the care and compassion they showed Rita during her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of Rita’s life at Providence Baptist Church 6339 Glenwood Avenue on Monday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m. There will not be a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC in Rita’s honor.

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