Monday, February 27, 2017

Obituary -- Rita Kay Olney 1946-2017

Rita Kay Olney passed away in her home surrounded by her family Wednesday, February 22, 2017. Rita was born September 18, 1946 to Bervin and Dorthe James in Worth, MO. She graduated from Worth County High School in 1964. After graduation, she worked at Grolier in Kansas City, MO. She returned  home and married Cleo Duane Olney, “Doey”, on March 22, 1969. To their union, three daughters; Tracy, Melissa, and Amanda were born. Family was very important to Rita and she hosted  many family dinners and birthday parties. She was a wonderful cook, and would always make sure that nobody left with an empty stomach, and that everyone had their favorite treats for special occasions. She was a nurturer and a caretaker; she could always make you feel better although, most of the time, all it took was a flash of her gorgeous smile. She possessed a one-of-a-kind sense of humor that could make anyone laugh.

Rita loved spending time at the family farm with her husband, sister, and beloved pet Minnie. She loved animals but Minnie held an extra special place in her heart. She enjoyed gardening and did a lot of canning. She also loved to cheer on some of her favorite basketball teams which include: ’82-’83 Worth County Boys’ team, Iowa State, NWMSU, Baylor, Iowa, Northern Iowa, Texas and Missouri. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels and completing puzzles.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents Lewis and Ruth Canaday and A.S and Elizabeth James; sister, Patty; and Minnie. Rita is survived by her husband, Duane; daughters, Tracy (Jim) Meyer of Sioux City, IA; Melissa (Felix) Torres of Hayes, VA; Amanda (Donnie) Spencer of Grant City, MO; sister, Betty James of Blue Springs, MO; brothers, Roy (Donnetta) James and Randy (Joni) James  of Grant City, MO; granddaughters, Nicole, Holly, Angela, Tanya, Nia, Maya, Jaeda and Emma; step-grandchildren, Zach, Spencer, Devan and Dominic; and great-grandchildren, Noah and Kaden; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She will always remain admired for the devotion she displayed to her family. She will forever be held in our hearts and will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at the Prugh-Dunfee funeral home in Grant City on Saturday, March 4th at 11:00 AM.  Family will be present 1 hour before the service.

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