Rita Kaloplastos McLendon

Rita Kaloplastos McLendon, 69, of Lexington, SC went to be with the Lord while surrounded by her family on August 24, 2025. She was born in Mason City, Iowa to the parents of Emmanuel Nick Kaloplastos and Ruth Mary Vizthum.

She was a devoted wife, mother and “Gamma”. She spent her life dedicated to her family and her career as a Cardiac Care Tech at Providence Hospital and a Wave Form Analyst for Special Care Medical. She also enjoyed coaching softball, cooking, baking cakes, riding jet skis, dolphin watching, lighthouse viewing and waiting for snow flurries. She had a passion for entertaining and welcomed everyone with open arms, even when it was difficult. She dedicated herself to be the foundation for her family and friends, always providing a place of comfort and unconditional love. The love she had for her family was truly one of a kind.

Rita was predeceased by her father Emmanuel, her mother Ruth, her sisters Ann Marie Kaloplastos and Dale Kaloplastos, and her brother Johnny Kaloplastos. 

She is survived by her loving husband, David McLendon; her children, Steven McLendon, Angie Jackson, Jennifer Davidson, Nick McLendon and Annie McLendon; her grandchildren, Preston McLendon, Emmanuel McLendon, Faith Fowler, Tyler McLendon, Summer Davidson, Madison Davidson, Kaden McLendon, Julianna McLendon, Crystal Franklin; great-grandchildren, Emilee, Jase, and Kylee Franklin; her siblings, Dawn Beard, Nikki Lee, Mary Polio, Jim Kaloplastos; and a wide circle of family and friends that loved her dearly.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209, with visitation beginning at 2:00pm and the service following at 3:00pm. A graveside burial service with be held immediately following the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends after the service.