Henrietta “Retta” Maxine Mounts, age 86, died December 18, 2023, on beautiful sunny afternoon at Advena Living Center in Clay Center, Kansas. Retta was born August 5, 1937, the daughter of Henry “Hank” and Vivian (Bouden) Tripp, in Denver, Colorado. She was the oldest of four children.
Retta attended Clay Center Schools, including Lincoln Elementary, McKinley School and the Old Clay Center High School. She had a lifelong love of gardening, both flowers and vegetables. Her first garden was as a 10-year-old child, a small spot within her mother’s garden. Retta loved digging in the dirt and seeing the results of her work. As she got older, she always called this her own therapy. After buying her first home with her husband, she planted some nut and fruit trees. Retta spent many years harvesting and canning her produce.
Retta married Dale Danford Knepper on August 16, 1953. They were married 17 years. To this union, three children were born. They were very involved in their children’s school activities and sports, attending many programs and games. As she got older, she continued to attend her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events.
Retta married Ray Mounts and built their home in Clay Center in 1971. She continued her love of gardening there as well and planted a large garden at her new home.
When Retta turned 85 her granddaughter, Marina Tuetsch put together a book called “The 85 Things We Love About You”. They managed to capture her love of cooking, her welcoming hospitality, her wit and humor, and her ability to make them all feel special. Number 85 rounded out her legacy and character: wise, humble, generous, servant’s heart, full of love, honest, pure, and kind.
Retta is survived by her children Christine Rhodes, Michael and wife Pixie Knepper, and Valerie and husband Roger Coberly. Grandchildren, Cody (Jenny) Knepper, Caleb (Amy) Knepper, Adam (Anna) Knepper, Samantha Coberly, Chaz (Megan) Coberly, Marina (Robert) Coberly Tuetsch, Cassidy Coberly (fiancé, Zach Jensen). Great grandchildren, Jeremiah Wolf, Jalynn Rule, Brody Knepper, Lilly Knepper, Amelia Knepper, Lucy Knepper, Keely Knepper, Kollete Knepper, and Keegan and Carter Jensen, and two sisters, Jean Woolley and Marie Bolejack.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray Mounts, granddaughter Jamie Rhodes Wolf, and brother Robert Tripp.
Private family services will take place with a celebration of life at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Clay Center Zoo, Clay County Museum, or to CCARE in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com
