Rita A. Lee Vantine, 84, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Michigan City, Indiana.
Rita was born on November 7, 1941, in LaPorte to the late Charles Lee and Ruth Morton Lee. Her father gave her the name, LaRita, but she always preferred Rita.
A lifelong resident of the area, she graduated from Stillwell High School in 1959. During high school, Rita participated in many school activities and was a cheerleader. This was the beginning of her love for watching basketball games. Later in her life, she became a strong supporter of Indiana University basketball and football. On June 25, 1960, she married her life partner, Robert (Bob) Vantine, beginning a devoted relationship that spanned more than five decades until his passing on January 24, 2017. In July of 1961, their son Bobby was born. He was their pride and joy! Rita supported Bobby who was very active in 4-H and accompanied him to many horse shows over the years. In 1970, Rita and Bob purchased their farm on the east side of La Porte, where Rita took great pride in both the land and the community it represented. Bob and Rita also enjoyed attending tractor pulls. They brought their International Harvester tractors to the county fairs and met many lifelong friends at these events. Rita dedicated 44 years of her professional life to Kingsley Furniture, where she retired as Vice President of Finance. Her career was marked by integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to excellence—qualities that defined her in every aspect of life. Rita shared many laughs with the “Friday Night Dinner” group as well as the Bunco Ladies. They even changed the Bunco rules so that Rita didn’t have to change chairs. Thanks for all the good times! Rita was also a longtime member of Lambs Chapel United Methodist Church, now known as Journey Church.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Vantine; her son, Robert W. Vantine; her brother, Gene Lee; and her parents.
Rita is survived by her sister, Kay Lee (Susie Kowalczyk) of Twisp, Washington, sister-in-law, Betty Hedington; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends who will remember Rita for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love and support for family. Rita’s life was one of quiet strength, enduring devotion, and deep roots in faith, family, and community. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her welcoming smile and sense of humor.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services in La Porte. Visitation will take place Monday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Mill Creek, Indiana.
Donations in honor of Rita Vantine may be made to City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago in Zion, Illinois, or Indiana University Mentoring Program, Bloomington, Indiana.
