Rita (Loomis) Johnson, 94 of Delavan, Kansas passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 31, 2015.
She was born September 26, 1920 in Lost Springs, Kansas to Ralph and Edith (Evans) Loomis. She graduated from Council Grove High School in 1939. Rita married Kenneth (Ken) Johnson on March 10, 1943. They recently celebrated their anniversary of 72 years.
Rita was a member of the Council Grove Christian Church, and a former member of the Philomathian Club. She worked at the Morris County Treasures Office, Board of Education in Glendale, CA, and Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Rita loved her family and friends. She had a love and zest for life that was conveyed by and through her knowledge of travel, music, reading, painting, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cooking, baking, canning, gardening, flowers and watching birds. And oh, how she loved to play cards! She was a strong Christian woman with a gentle, kind, loving and teaching spirit. She was always an encourager with listening ears and never quick to judge.
Rita is survived by her husband Kenneth of the home: five children: Carole Cole and husband Leo of Canon City, CO; Cheryl Staats and husband Allen of Eagle Rock, Mo; Jackie Staats and husband Don Hageman of Broomfield, CO; Jim Johnson and wife Melaney of Delavan, KS; Donna Johnson of Greeley, CO. Nine grandchildren: Kellie Hale and husband J.D, Brian Cole & wife Jenny, Shannan McFarlane & husband Mike, Stephanie Staats, Zachary Staats, Whitney Staats and husband Steve Smith, Terry Bosch and wife Angie, Santee Bosch and wife Winnie, Trey Johnson and Sonia Grossman. Rita has sixteen great-grandchildren: Mallory, Jeremy, Maya, Hannah, Rebecca, Nick, Kaylee, Aiden, Alex, Amelia, Jillian, Leo, Mackenzie, Carson, Regan and Jaxon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding Rita in death were her parents; two sisters, Nita Brett and Jeanne Peebles; and a brother, Jack Loomis.
Cremation has been chosen. A graveside service will take place at a later date at Diamond Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rita Johnson to the Council Grove Christian Church or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and may be sent in care of Penwell-Gabel, P.O. Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.