Rita May Rumford Mccorkle

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rita May Rumford McCorkle, age 70, on April 23, 2024, at her home in Manhattan, Kansas. She was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on June 23, 1953, to Albert Rumford and Harriet Gould. Rita was later adopted by Thomas Jones and Lura Felton in 1961. Rita married her soulmate Mitchell McCorkle on August 29, 1972, in Emporia, Kansas. She was a person with deep roots in family and community, known for her resilience and perseverance. Rita's life journey was remarkable; she faced many challenges but despite this, Rita pursued a career as a Nursing Home Aid while simultaneously working part-time, being a wife, and raising three small children at the time. She finally completed her certificate program on May 22, 1980. She dedicated more than 12 years to this role as a caregiver, demonstrating a strong compassion and care for the elderly. Mitch and Rita's union was blessed with a family of five children and several grandchildren. It was in the late 80’s that Rita was reunited with her long-lost birth family including nine siblings.

Rita's career shifted to the food industry in the late 1980s and continued until the early part of the 90’s however, due to chronic back pain and ongoing headaches from multiple car accidents, she had to give this up to be a full-time homemaker.

Rita's memory will live on through her unique and quirky sense of humor, her fierce advocacy for her beliefs, and the great lengths she went to support her children. Rita always found time to enjoy activities with kids while sewing, bowling, playing tennis, and bingo. Rita also had a passion for collecting thimbles, dolls, and bells. She enjoyed watching classics; shows like "Matlock," "The Sound of Music," and “Murder She Wrote." She had a soft spot for Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley, and James Dean.

Rita's faith was important to her, and she attended church with her husband, Mitchell, whenever possible. She is survived by her children: Michael and Desiree of Kansas, Richard (wife, Becky) of North Carolina, Joseph (wife, Didi) of Texas, and James (wife, Lea) of Washington. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Carlos, Zoey, Nevada, Jayden, and Eli. Rita is also survived by her siblings: Cherri and Sara of Emporia, Mary of Americus, Robert of Wichita, and Larry of Allen.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mitchell who passed away just last year on April 10th, 2023. Her family and friends will remember her as a loving mother, a devoted wife, and an individual with an indomitable spirit. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.