Rita Anne Wilson.... Age 68

INSTATE NOON- 5PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 21,2014 AT THE EDDY-BIRCHARD FUNERAL HOME

SERVICE 10:30 AM MONDAY DECEMBER 22,2014 AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN PARKER, KS

FOLLOWED BY BURIAL AT PARKER CEMETERY, PARKER, KS

MEMORIALS ARE TO TRI-KO INC. OR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF PARKER
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Rita Anne Wilson age 68 of Osawatomie, Kansas died Thursday December 18, 2014 at Miami County Medical Center of Paola, Kansas.  Rita was born in Beagle, Kansas on April 11, 1946 to James and Elsie (Loch) Wilson.  Rita is the second of four children.  When she was born (prematurely, and weighing only about four pounds while wrapped in a heavy blanket and measured on her grandpa’s fishing scales—and we all know fishing scales weigh heavy), the doctor did not believe that she would live more than a few years at best. As a child, Rita attended Special Education classes at Parker Elementary School in Parker, Kansas for a very short time.  In January 1952, Rita went to Parsons State Hospital & Training Center where she remained until June 1961.  At this time, Rita moved back home with her family in Parker, Kansas. In 1975, Rita began attending Tri-Ko, Inc.’s Work Activity Center, while she remained living with her family. She worked untiringly in the sheltered workshop that her parents were instrumental in starting which now serves a three county area. Rita continued to attend Tri-Ko Inc.’s WAC until 1989, when she was discharged from the program, at the request of her parents. In 1993, Rita was readmitted into Work Activity Center. She refused to retire when she became eligible, because she loved going to work.  On March 25, 2000, Rita moved from her family home in Garnett, Kansas into the Garnett Group Home.  After her parents moved to Vintage Park in Osawatomie, Rita moved to Osawatomie to continue to be near her parents.

Although she was what used to be called “profoundly retarded”, she touched so many lives.  She cared deeply for her family and friends. Her speech was intelligible only to those who knew her well. She had a smile for just about everyone she met.  She gave the best hugs and no one could leave without getting one. For many, many years she was the “acolyte” for the First United Methodist Church in Parker, Kansas.  Rita took great pride in being the one to light the candles on the altar.  Rita’s love for Elvis was deep.  She was always excited when she bought a new pair of shoes and would show them off. Rita was the biggest advocate in showing off the new babies in the family. Her latest love was watching Nascar Racing and she often called her brother to share the excitement.  She will be missed by her family as well as everyone who ever met her.  She was one of God’s very special angels on this earth, and now she has her wings for real.

Rita is proceeded in death by her father and one sister Marsha Gae Wilson.

She is survived by her mother Elsie Wilson of Garnett, KS, one sister Carolyn (Charles) Dunlop of Parker, KS, one brother James H. (Linda) Wilson Jr. of Grove, OK and many other family and friends.