You may not know what she looks like. You may never have met her. But over the past 40 years if you called Jon’s Taxi for a ride to the boat, a pick up to the airport, or to set up a tour you most definitely spoke to her. “Jon’s Taxi, how can I help you”, she repeated for over four decades, seven days a week, 15 hours a day and you never heard her complain.

Rita Marie Klingensmith, also known as “the voice,” died May 14 in the early hours while peacefully sleeping, after a short battle with lung cancer. She was 73.

She was born Sept. 11, 1942 in the small town of Camden, N.J., the 13th of 14 children. Rita and her younger sister Deloris, were orphaned at a young age when both their parents passed away, and had to spend time in an orphanage. Rita loved to dance and used dance to help her pass the time. When she was old enough she joined the USO as a dancer and not too long after she met the love of her life John Klingensmith. They married on July 24, 1965. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Rita had many hobbies — she loved playing bingo and going on her many trips to Foxwoods with her “girls”, as she would often say. She would pass the time by knitting, doing puzzles and reading. Rita was a true fan of both the Red Sox and Patriots. She loved to cook and often made homemade Italian meals for her family and friends. But what brought her the most pleasure was her family and her grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, incredible mom and wonderful grandmother.

She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, John Sr.; her two sons John Jr. and Mark and their wives Candace and Dee; and five wonderful grandchildren Mitchell, Hunter, Avery, Grace and Aubrey. Rita loved her grandchildren and often bragged endlessly about them.

God bless her.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Rita’s life on Wednesday, June 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the Edgartown Cemetery.

A reception will follow at the Holy Ghost Association (PA Club) in Oak Bluffs from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Rita’s memory to the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.