Rita Marie Clapp

Rita Marie Clapp, 90, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026. She was born on March 6, 1936, in Miami, Florida, to Herbert and Agnes Robinson. Rita moved to Haines City more than 50 years ago from Fort Lauderdale and made the community her home. She worked as a cashier for Publix for many years before her retirement and was a devoted member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Winter Haven, Florida.

Rita enjoyed spending her time reading, working on brain-teasing puzzles, and playing board games. She loved any activity that brought people together and cherished the opportunity to share laughter and friendly competition with family and friends. One of the highlights of her week was receiving phone calls from her daughters, where they would catch up and share the events of their days. Known for her intelligence, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, Rita left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Agnes Heimer, and her beloved husband, Chester Clapp. Rita leaves behind her loving daughters, Deborah Clapp Scharfenberg of Newnan, Georgia, and Kathleen Clapp Goodman of Orlando, Florida; her sister, Geraldine Atwell of West Palm Beach, Florida; and her cherished grandchildren, Michael Scharfenberg, Lauren Scharfenberg, Steven Scharfenberg, Ross Goodman, and Brooke Goodman. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rita's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Grace Medical Home.