Rita M West

Rita M. West, 63, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away August 26, 2013 at home surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 30, at Chapel Hill-Butler, 701 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Mercy Hospital or the Catholic Community Hospice.

Rita was born April 26, 1950 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Wise and Thelma Harper. She graduated from Bonner Springs High School and worked for many years managing various insurance companies. Rita married her beloved husband, Tim West in October of 1998. She loved spending time outdoors, especially on her Harley Davidson or a horse. Rita loved all animals, but especially her Boxers. She was very proud of her quilting and of her daughters, especially when she was coaching them in softball.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Harper, her father and step-mother, William and Zada Wise; aunt, Bernice Harper and brother James Wise.

She is survived by her husband, Tim West of Smithville, Missouri; three daughters, Alaina Heavin of Halfway, Missouri, Andrea “Andy” Kelly of Louisburg, Missouri and Amanda Malto and her husband Travis of Overland Park, Kansas; three granddaughters, Shaina and Angel Maxwell and Sydney Renae Malto; two grandsons, Dusty Kelly and his wife Cierra, and Jimmy Jon Jenkins; and one great-grandchild on the way; brothers, Verne Wise and his wife Lorraine of Gainesville, Georgia and Jerry Wise of McLouth, Kansas.

Fond memories and condolences may be left for Rita at www.chapelhill-butler.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., KCK.