Rita Henry Clinton's Obituary
Rita Duranleau Henry Clinton, a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025.
She was born on August 22, 1931, in Graniteville, Vermont, the second of four children of Laura and Victor Duranleau. Rita grew up in Washington, Vermont, attended local schools, and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1949.
Rita met her first husband, Howard Henry, through mutual friends while he was serving in the Navy. They married in Vermont, where their first daughter, Rhonda, was born. The family later moved to Midland, Michigan, where daughters Corrine and Terry joined the family. Eventually they relocated to Umatilla, Florida, where their sons Rick and Victor were born.
Rita was active in her community. She was named Mrs. Umatilla, led the Christmas Parade, and was honored as Woman of the Year by Delta Rho. A longtime member of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church, she participated in the Sodality and volunteered many hours in the church’s thrift store. She also enjoyed gardening and was involved with the Umatilla Garden Club. For more than forty years, Rita was an enthusiastic member of her local bridge club, where she formed cherished lifelong friendships that became a treasured part of her weekly life.
Throughout her working life, Rita held several positions, including bookkeeper at Vermont Life Insurance Company and Umatilla State Bank, and postmistress of the Dona Vista Post Office. After Howard’s passing in 1974, she earned her contractor’s license, built several homes, and later transitioned into retail work.
Rita later married Dick Clinton. Together they enjoyed golfing at Mt. Dora Golf Club and attending events at the Elks Club.
Rita is survived by her five children, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She valued time with her family and took great pride in each generation.
Her family and friends will remember her for her dedication, strength, and steady presence. She will be deeply missed.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 3pm to 5pm at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel in Umatilla, FL. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes in Eustis, FL on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11am followed by interment at Lakeside Memory Gardens.
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