Rita J. Kilner

Rita Josephine Kilner, 75, passed away peacefully Monday, January 13, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Westmoreland, Kan. on April 25, 1944 to the late Josephine Mary (Sable) and Oscar F. Brockish. She attended Manhattan Catholic Schools and was united in marriage to her lifelong love, Wayne Kilner, in December 1959. Ever calm and serene in her faith, Rita’s life was a living example of one of her favorite bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Her hands were rarely still as she filled days caring for others, cooking, cleaning, and gardening. She cherished her role as homemaker and delighted in being a mother to two sons and grandmother to four children. Rita and Wayne shared a love for traveling and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband Wayne, sons David, and Gary (Donna); four grandchildren (Kyle, Kevin, Krystal, Kenzie Kilner); a brother, Robert Brockish; and several nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Don, Bill and Harry Brockish and grandson, Christopher Lee Kilner. Services will be held Tuesday, January 21, at 11:00 a.m., at Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, 1317 W. Poyntz Ave. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with Father Kerry Ninemire officiating. Burial will follow in Sunrise Cemetery, Manhattan. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the organization of choice by anyone wishing to do so in memory of Rita. To send an online condolence visit the funeral home website, www.irvinparkview.com.