Lebanon, NH – Rita Clemens, 91, of Lebanon, NH passed away peacefully at Country Village Center in Lancaster, NH on June 13, 2026. Rita was born on August 1, 1934, in Claremont, NH to Oliver Jutras and Rose Jutras (Gouin). She moved to Weare, NH at a young age where she attended school. She married John Clemens on July 4, 1953. Shortly after moving to Newmarket, NH where they worked in shoe shops, eventually settling in Lebanon, NH. They divorced in 1974.
Rita worked as a seamstress at H.W. Carter & Sons, then Profile Ski Wear, and later for Timken from where she retired in 1974. She took her love of animals to Steve’s Pet Shoppe working part time.
She was a former member of the Upper Valley and Green Mountain Humane Societies volunteering at many events. As a parishioner of the Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school in the 1960’s and 70’s and later became a member of the Sacred Heart Church.
Rita devoted much of her life from a young age to rescuing and caring for animals of all kinds. She had a particular love for cats and horses, riding whenever she could. Rita was an avid reader with a love of mysteries featuring cats. She enjoyed entertaining her family with her singing, yodeling and playing the harmonica. In her spare time, she created oil paintings of the things she loved.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Robert, James and Donald Jutras, and sisters Irene Hughes and Diana Dennis. She is survived by daughters Randa Boisclair (Robert) and Sandra Maville, a son J. Andrew Clemens, nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held in August, date to be determined.
To leave a message of remembrance or condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
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