Rita R. Palm

Rita R. Palm, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, following an illness. She was 84 years old. Rita was born on October 2, 1940, in Hamlet, Indiana, to the late Carl and Ruth (Soice) Jensen. She was the tenth of sixteen children, and her family meant the world to her. Rita grew up surrounded by love and support from her large, close-knit family, which included her eleven Jensen brothers—Bob (Wilma), Neil (Ruth), Paul (Mae), Richard (Pat), Fred (Charlene), Peter (Becky), Rae (Linda), Carl David, Earl (Sue), Alan (Petra), and Jim—and her four sisters, Nina (Jerry) Pomeroy, Lola (Devon) Miller, Linda (Ron) Back, and Jan (Dusty) Smith. Throughout her life, Rita remained in the community she loved. She worked as a cook at the Starke County Jail before retiring, where she was known for her kindness and warm, caring nature. Her life was deeply rooted in family, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Rita’s devotion to her family was unwavering, and her legacy of love and care will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. On September 8, 1979, Rita married Ralph Palm, the love of her life. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and memories. She is survived by her husband Ralph; son John (Kim Rose); daughters Sandy (Phil) Shepherd and Kim Bailey; five step-sons: Steve (Linda) Palm, Mike (Toni) Palm, Dan (Jill) Palm, David Palm, and Joe Palm; stepdaughter Sherri (Cliff) Caudill; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Rita is also survived by her brother Alan (Petra) Jensen, her sister Jan (Dusty) Smith of Midlothian, TX, as well as her dear sisters-in-law Mae, Pat, Charlene, Becky, and Linda. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Debbie Phillips, nine brothers, and three sisters. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 CDT on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 CDT, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Oak Park Cemetery in Knox. Rita’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her love for her family and her selfless, caring spirit will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in the lives of all those she touched. Rest in peace, Rita. You will be deeply missed.

Rita R. Palm

October 2, 1940 - March 16, 2025