Rita grew up on a farm near the Danish community of Kimballton, Iowa and graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton High School in 1968 where she won awards for her musical talents in band and chorus. Rita continued her education at Commercial Extension in Omaha, Nebraska and while residing in Omaha met her husband-to-be, Gary J. Hanson. They were united in marriage on May 27, 1973. After alternating homes between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska for a few years, Rita and Gary moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri and made it their home in November of 1978.
On March 7, 1980, Rita petitioned Park Chapter #327 in Kansas City, Missouri to receive the degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star and was initiated on April 18, 1980. Subsequently in February 1998 Park Chapter #327 consolidated with Country Club Chapter #448 in Kansas City. Rita’s passion for service and the Order of the Eastern Star was strong and as a result in May 1999 Rita took a dual membership with Swope Park Chapter #520, Kansas City. She always held an office in both chapters. It wasn’t long before her excellent work and dedication to the Order was noticed.
In 1989 Sister Charlotte Acton, Worthy Grand Matron, recommended Rita to the appointment of Grand Representative of Iowa, 1989-1991.
After that appointment, Sister Patricia Stubblefield, Worthy Grand Matron, offered Rita the commission of District Deputy Grand Matron of the (then) 22nd District.
In 1997, Bessie Mae Kirkpatrick, Worthy Grand Matron, chose Rita to be Grand Adah, one of the ten appointed grand officers in the Grand Chapter of Missouri.
In October 1997 Rita was elected to the advancing line which led to her becoming Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, Order of the Eastern Star in 2001.
In 2018, the office of Grand Treasurer of the Grand Chapter of Missouri needed to be filled. Rita heeded the call and was elected to fill the office where she served until her health forced her resignation in the Spring of 2020.
All the while Rita remained active at Swope Park Temple, not only serving as Chapter #520 Secretary, but filling vital roles in both youth groups: the International Order of Jobs Daughters, Bethel #1 where she served as Bethel Guardian and as Financial Advisor for William F. Kuhn Order of DeMolay.
Rita was not only admired for her passion and service to the Order, but looked to for guidance and direction in all things fraternal.
May you always Rest in Peace, Rita.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Hanson; and her parents, Kenneth and Elaine Christoffersen.
Rita is survived by her brother, Don (Jill) Christoffersen; her sister, LuAnn (Joe) Meyers; one niece, Katie (Randy) Mains; one nephew, Travis (Kelly) Christoffersen and their children Eva, Kenny and Tucker Christoffersen.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to her family in care of her sister. Mrs. LuAnn Meyers, 5662 Merino Court, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00am on June 14th at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am with OES and traditional services to follow. A light lunch for family and friends will be served at Ivanhoe Masonic Temple, 8640 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
The Celebration of Life Service will be Livestreamed and may be viewed by clicking on the link listed below.
Memorial contributions in Sister Rita’s memory may be made payable and sent to The Masonic Home of Missouri Outreach Program, 6033 N. Masonic Dr., Ste. A, Columbia, MO 65202.
