Rita Patricia Blume

An extraordinary woman, Rita Patricia Blume, added her incredible spirit to heaven’s light on June 3rd, 2026.

Rita was born on June 18th, 1945. She carved out a brilliant career in education after graduating from Avila College. Her intelligence, kindness and beauty granted her many admirers; however, Rita fell smitten to the roguish Jerry Blume and they married in 1967. Their passion, adventures, tribulations, and quiet moments over a 53-year marriage could inspire love stories.

Rita profoundly impacted the children she taught (3rd grade) at Morse Elementary School. In the classroom, she was called, “Mrs. Blume,” “Mom,” and even once, “Rita” (after telling her class she didn’t want to hear another “Mrs. Blume” for ten minutes. Her “teacher look” was well known throughout the family, as well, though her compassion and caring made it hard to take the “teacher look” seriously.

Rita traveled the world with her husband, Jerry, her friends, and other family members. Her interests include snorkeling, skiing (though she’d rather enjoy a glass of wine in front of the firewith a good book), and cooking (especially for her incredibly large immediate and extended family). Legendary Thanksgivings happened only because of Rita’s ability to cook, bake, and pull off last minute heroics with the food.

Rita joins her soulmate, Jerry, her beloved daughter Molly (Blume) Duffy, brother Michael Reintjes, godson Sean Reed, and parents, Mary and Jerry Reintjes in heaven.

Those left behind desperately miss her already, such as her son, Matthew Blume and wife Joye (Buche) Blume, grandchildren Eli & Jackson Blume and Joe, Meara, Maggie & Morgan Duffy, great grandson Kohen, her siblings Kate (and Dave) Reed, Maureen Reintjes, Terri (and Jim Fisher) Reintjes, Brian Reintjes, sisters in law Sherri Reintjes and Jan Reintjes, as well as enough nieces and nephews to fill a phonebook. She also leaves behind many special lifelong friends, including Rita and Mac Holland.

Rita had a rare gift for making everyone she met feel special bywrapping each interaction in sincerity, compassion, and grace.She chose to leave this world when she was surrounded by family and friends.

The funeral mass will be held at St. John Paul II Catholic Church (18335 W. 168th Ter., Olathe) on June 20, 2026, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to or sponsoring a dinner at the Kansas City Hospice at 12000 Wornall Rd in Kansas City, MO 64145.