Rita Aileene Kelly Wurtz

Rita Aileene Kelly Wurtz, 79, of Emporia, Kansas passed away peacefully Saturday, December 1st, 2018 in her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle against adenocarcinoma.

Rita was born January 2nd, 1939 in King City, Missouri, the daughter of the late James Patrick Kelly and Mary Josephine Fisher Kelly. She graduated from Mt. Saint Scholastica Academy in 1957, Mt. Saint Scholastica College with a bachelors degree in 1961, and Emporia State University with a Masters of Library Science in 1975. Rita began her career in teaching in Kansas City, later teaching in Omaha, NE, Topeka, KS, and retired as the librarian at Village Elementary and Walnut Elementary schools in Emporia. She worked as an educator for nearly thirty-five years. Rita was an avid reader and member of numerous book clubs. Her knowledge of children’s literature and uncanny ability to remember just what type of book individual students liked was incredible. Rita was a very involved member of her community and well known for her graciousness, hospitality, and willingness to always help those in need. She was an active member of the Didde Catholic Campus Center where she was an Eucharistic Minister and frequent volunteer. She also was Co-President of Altrusa, past President of P.E.O Chapter HY, member of her gourmet culinary group, doubles tennis group, an honored Master Gardner, literacy volunteer, and was generous with donating her time and talents to others. She will be remembered by all for being a welcoming hostess, her delicious cinnamon rolls, banana and poppy seed bread, and her beautiful garden. Her Christmas open house will be missed by all. Rita will be best remembered and most missed for being the world’s greatest mom and grandma.