Mrs. Rita Nicholson Kemp passed away peacefully at Innisfail, Alberta on June 23, 2025 at the age of 92 years – she was 13 days shy of her 93rd birthday. She was born in Lacombe to Judson and Christina Archibald and raised on the family’s farm fifteen miles west of Ponoka.
She attended the Olds School of Agriculture, taking Home Economics, where she met the love of her life, Gerry Kemp. After their marriage, Rita and Gerry settled on the farm west of Innisfail, where they raised their six children. In 2011, Gerry and Rita moved to town and in 2021 she moved into Autumn Grove Lodge.
Rita and Gerry hosted numerous international agricultural exchange students (IAEA) on the farm over the years. Long-term friendships have enriched Rita’s life with two former exchange students visiting this past month. Travel, including visiting former trainees, took Rita and Gerry to fifty seven countries over the years.
Throughout her childhood, Rita battled numerous health issues, including Polio. She truly believed her many health challenges made her aware of the good times for which she was most thankful for. These struggles also prevented her from traditionally completing her early education; however, in 1973, Rita proudly earned her high school diploma, the same year her eldest daughter graduated.
Rita truly liked being busy. She enjoyed being a farmer’s wife; being on the farm and being able to raise her family there. She felt it provided the best opportunities for developing caring, loving and contributive children, that when you helped another, you were helping yourself also. This was also evident in one of her favorite activities of delivering flowers to brighten the days of those shut-in. Gardens, home cooked meals, sewing, crafts of many varieties all interested her. She was an avid community volunteer: 4-H, the United Church (Board and Choir) catering group and UCW, the Historical Village, active in the Dr. George/Kemp House designation and restoration. She also spent countless hours documenting her and Gerry’s family histories, which will be treasured by her loved ones for years to come. Her dedication and community spirit have been widely recognized over the years. She was awarded the 2011 Women of Excellence Award and the 2019 Random Act of Kindness Award. Most recently, Rita was honored with a commemorative medal celebrating the coronation of King Charles III.
Rita will be lovingly remembered by her son, Rick (Wendy) Kemp of Innisfail, her daughter, Kerri (Ross) Towers of Red Deer, her daughter, Chris (Jim) Donner of Innisfail, and her son, Tim (Robin) Kemp of Victoria, her daughter, Debb (Roger) Peters of Valleyview, and her son, Owen (Joyce) Kemp of Innisfail, Grandchildren: Lee Kemp, Jay (Crystal) Kemp, Dalan (Kari) Kemp, Bobbi (Prince) Bridges, Jody (Michelle) Towers, Chad (Brandie) Towers, Jana (Thomas) Dimopoulos, Tashina
(Sascha) Kemp, Isaac Kemp, Nicci (Logan) Kenning, Heather Matthews, Clark (Amber) Peters, Roni Gordon, Matthew Granlund, Kayla (Randy) Kendall. Great Grandchildren: Hannah and Seth Kemp, Emmersyn, Axyl and Memphys Kemp, Beckett, Collins and Rylee Kemp, Sarah and Wyatt Towers, Gabrielle, Teagan and Reese Dimopoulos, Quinn and Jude Kenning, Jasmine Gordon, and Emma and Eli Kendall. She will also be sadly missed by her twin sister, Lita Reid of Didsbury, sisters-in-law, Jackie Hodges of Innisfail, and Beatrice Kemp of Edmonton and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Rita was predeceased by husband Gerry, brothers John and George, sisters Jean, Mary, Marion and her twin Margaret; parents Judson and Christina Archibald.
The family would also like to thank the incredible staff at Autumn Grove Lodge and the Innisfail Health Care Centre for the care and support offered to Rita and the family.
A Celebration of Rita’s Life will be held at the Innisfail United Church, 4720 – 48 Avenue, Innisfail, Alberta on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
If you unavailable to attend the Celebration of Life for Rita, you may go to innisfailuc.org, a link will be visible for the service just prior to 2:00 p.m. If so desired memorial donations can be made to the Innisfail United Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2025-07-07
• Location : (Innisfail) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com