Rita Claryn Painter

Rita Claryn Painter

October 14, 1936 ~ March 20, 2022

Rita Claryn Painter passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born on October 14, 1936, in Ogden, Utah, as the daughter of the late Robert and Violet Checketts. She grew up in Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School.

She married the love of her life, the late Clarence Hyrum Painter, on January 29, 1955, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married for 61 years before he passed in 2016. The couple was sealed for time and all eternity on September 5, 2002 in the Ogden Utah Temple. The couple resided in Roy, Utah, in the same home for 59 years where they built an unforgettable legacy and raised their four children. Their home was the gathering place for family and friends where many beloved memories were made.

Rita valued education, she attended and studied marketing and business at Weber State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah. Throughout Rita and Clarence’s life together they were constant supporters to each other's careers and endeavors. Rita was an inspiration to her family as a distinguished and driven entrepreneur. Beginning in 1956, she co-owned and operated Painter’s College of Beauty, as well as Hyland House Carpet and Furniture, Tami’s Apparel, and various real estate endeavors. Even in her last days, Rita took great pride in her career and personally oversaw the daily operations of her businesses. Throughout her life, she was heavily involved in her community and held multiple board positions for the Chamber of Commerce, Utah Board of Privatization, Utah State Cosmetology School Association, Utah and National Proprietary Colleges, and local governments.

She was a beautiful woman of unique and many talents with a renowned sense of fashion and artistic nature. A competitive soul, Rita appreciated the opportunity to golf, bowl, or play cards with close friends. Rita’s most enduring qualities were her sense of wisdom and strength. As the matriarch of her family, she was an exemplary role model for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She relished the opportunity to mentor loved ones when they faced challenges, encouraging her family to persevere through hard times with the timeless quote, “You can accomplish anything you set your mind to”.

Rita lived by the mantra family comes first, no matter the circumstance. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she took pride in sharing her family’s burdens. She was known to offer her strong-willed perspective, followed by her love and support, and she strived to develop a significant relationship with each of her grandchildren. Rita also found great joy in hosting family gatherings as often as possible. She put much love into her events, and her annual Christmas parties never disappointed. They were a cherished tradition in the Painter family, and her grandchildren will forever hold fond memories of her tucking them into bed with melodies of Silent Night.

Rita is survived by her children, Tamara (Tom) McCowen, Jeffrey Hyrum Painter, Douglas Clarence Painter, and Rodney James Painter, 14 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; and brother, Robert Grant “Bob” (Betty) Checketts. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Clarence Hyrum Painter; her parents, Violet Luella Perkins and Parley Robert Checketts; and her sisters, Shirley Blair and Jewel Atwell.

Her family would like to extend their gratitude to all her caregivers for their presence and devotion throughout her late years. A special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey H. Call and Sunridge Assisted Living and the facility.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.