Rita Jane Williams, age 66, of St. George, Kansas, died Monday morning, March 14, 2016, at the Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. She was born on October 30, 1949, in Cordell, Oklahoma, the daughter of R.D. King, Jr. and Billie Inez (Gregory) King. Rita graduated from Cordell High School in 1967 and then attended Southwestern State University. On August 4, 1967, in Cordell, Oklahoma, she was united in marriage to Kenneth R. Williams. Rita worked as a secretary to help support Ken as he finished his college degree. Following his graduation, Ken was drafted into the military and was called to serve during Vietnam. Rita made her home wherever her husband was stationed during their early married years. In January of 1974, her husband accepted a position at Ft. Riley with the Federal Civil Service and they soon made their home in Manhattan, Kansas. Outside of being a loving and devoted homemaker, Rita was a former secretary for Blanton Realty and Fireside real estate companies and later became a property manager for Coldwell Banker and most recently for J & S Rentals. Rita was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ but recently had been attending Crestview Christian Church in Manhattan. She loved to travel with her husband and family and had traveled to almost every state and numerous areas abroad. She especially enjoyed the trips to visit the family farm in Cordell, Oklahoma, going to Branson and taking cruises. Rita was also a wonderful cook and took great pride in providing delicious meals for family and friends and especially enjoyed making holidays extra special. She enjoyed crocheting and was an avid shopper, always shopping for others and not for herself. Most recently, Rita convinced her husband that they needed a dog and so last August they brought a puppy into their home, which Rita named the Duke of Earl. Her love for her family was paramount and she always told them how much she loved them. Like most grandmothers, her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she thoroughly enjoyed attending their numerous events and activities and being a part of their lives. Rita is survived by her husband, Kenneth Williams, of the home. Also surviving are two children: Jessica Williams Gleaves, St. George, Kansas; and Jeremy Williams and wife Stacey of Wamego, Kansas; one brother: Bill King and wife Charlene, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law: Cheryl Reynolds and husband Jim, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Lori Dekalb and husband Dan, Norman, Oklahoma; brothers-in-law: Don Williams and wife Rhonda, Ponca City, Oklahoma; and Joe Williams and wife Susie of Arcadia, Oklahoma; three grandchildren: Taylor and Zachery Williams, both of Wamego and Mitchell Gleaves of St. George; and numerous nieces and nephew. Rita was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services were held Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Pastor Devin Wendt officiating. Interment followed in the Valley View Memorial Gardens Cemetery east of Manhattan. To leave a special message or online condolence for the family, please visit the funeral home website located at www.ymlfuneralhome.com. A memorial has been established for the Crestview Christian Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen- Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
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