Rita Kay Hawkins, age 74, went home to be with our Lord May 29, 2021. She was special needs, loving, kind, caring, and just beautiful inside and out. She was a graduate of South High School Class of 1967.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Toney L. and Huleta I. Dowell; two brothers, Gene R. Dowell and Jimmie R. Dowell; and a niece Chasity Dowell.
Rita is survived by three brothers, Billy Dowell, Richard (Shelia) Dowell, Mike (Patricia) Dowell, all of Wichita KS; six sisters, Joyce (Duane) Mikesell, Derby, KS, Patricia Brustrom, Benton, AR, Theresa Dowell, Atlantic Beach, FL, Barbara Reents, Canton, GA, Carolyn (Charles) Goodson and Tonya Carver both of Wichita, KS; 12 nieces and 15 nephews; numerous great nephews and nieces, cousins, and many friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday June 6, 2021, from 1-8 pm with the family present from 5-7pm at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby.
Funeral service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held 9:30am, Monday June 7, 2021 at Midway Baptist Church, 5135 S Broadway, Wichita, KS. Final Resting place following will be at 3:30 pm at Highland Cemetery, 1800 Cottonwood St, Iola, KS.