Rita Mae Hampton, age 84, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Rita was born on February 21, 1941, to Joseph and Viola (Schladweiler) Schmitt in Rock Elm Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin. She was born and raised on the farm. She attended St. John the Baptist School in Plum City until 8th grade and attended Elmwood High School, graduating with the Class of 1959.
On November 5, 1960, Rita married Bernard Hampton of Spring Valley at St. John the Baptist Church in Plum City. After marriage they lived in several different homes and in 1965 purchased their farm in Cady Township. Together they farmed and raised their family.
Rita was fun, loving, and active. She enjoyed many activities and spending time with family and friends. She worked as a waitress for a while at Thompson’s Café in Spring Valley. She shot pool with a league and in tournaments, always did well. Donkey softball was fun, and she played the accordion as well. She enjoyed quilting and with Missy, made embroidered quilts for all her grandchildren.
She always had the biggest garden and canned and preserved much of what was eaten at home. Along with the veggies, she grew any kind of flower that she could get hold of. In the fall, the bulbs would be dug by the tractor bucket full. One of her favorite pastimes was dancing to old time music, especially the polka. She taught all her children how to polka while watching Lawrence Welk on TV.
Rita was not known to pass up a good party and even threw a couple at home. While doing all of this, she still helped run the farm, milk the cows, and raise seven children.
After Bernard passed and the cows were gone, Rita enjoyed helping with the lawn mowing business and going dancing with special friend Gordy. So much that they became groupies for the Rhythm Playboys, following them out west once. Later, Rita would find companionship with another friend, Joe. You could find them out and about most every Sunday.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Bernard, daughter Donna, sister Beverly Schmitt, brother Peter Schmitt, special friend Gordy Johnson. Also preceded by in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Survivors include her six children: Joe (Karen) Hampton, Jim (Sue Knegendorf) Hampton, Dawn (Lance) Harvey, Deanne (Jim) Claypool, Doreen ‘Missy’ (Don) Larson, Deb (Jim Huron) Hampton. Special friend Joe Johnson. Four siblings: Jerry (Lou) Schmitt, Wayne (Donna Marty) Schmitt, Leon ‘Mike’ (Ralph Leggett) Schmitt, Jo Ann (Bob) Larson. In-laws: Mary Hampton, Fran Hampton. 19 grandchildren: Izzy, Jessica, Mindy, Jordan, Craigen, Tina, Tony, Bobby, John, Jimmy, Danielle, Tyler, Aaron, Nick, Jason, Abby, Kassie, Kory and Karlie. One step-grandchild: Jesse. 27 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial service was at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Spring Valley, Wisconsin. A luncheon at the Brother Michael Center followed the service.
Visitation was on Sunday, June 1, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley and one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Spring Valley, Wisconsin.
Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
