Rita Kelly

Rita Kelly, 86, a vibrant and fiercely independent spirit, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. She was born October 12, 1938, to Rye and Ray Risinger in Quiriguá, Guatemala, where her father was employed by the United Fruit Company. She lived in Guatemala until age 6 when she and her parents moved to Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she remained until age 13 when she was enrolled in a US boarding school. During the school year she attended San Marcos Baptist Academy in San Marcos, Texas, and stayed with family in Sweetwater, Texas, during the summers. These experiences gave her a unique view of society and a high level of integrity and self-determination. Rita graduated from the Academy, earning her high school diploma in 1956. She then attended Texas Tech University until 1958 when she left to marry the love of her life, Mike Kelly, with whom she shared a great love for over 60 years.

After marrying, Mike and Rita settled in Amarillo, Texas, where they had three daughters. Rita was the “cool Mom,” takin g her older daughters and their fellow Camp Fire Girls group members camping in the desert and skiing in the mountains. She volunteered for Camp Fire Girls, Inc., PTA/PTO, and was the scorekeeper for multiple softball teams. In 1978, Mike’s job transferred them to Topeka, Kansas, where Rita was active in her youngest daughter’s PTO and Booster Club. Rita joined St. Andrews Presbyterian Church shortly after moving to Topeka, participating in worship and other activities as long as she was able. Additionally, she worked in and studied banking, receiving multiple certifications from the American Institute of Banking. During her final years, she was an active resident of Brookfield nursing home where she made many friends among residents and staff, organized a Wii Bowling League, called Bingo, and participated in many other events. Rita always embraced life through travel, energetic discussions, dancing, laughing through the good, the bad, and the tacky (she always said, “don’t be tacky!”), and spending time with her family and friends.

Rita is survived by three daughters: Debbie Dendy (Russell), Susan Weidenbach (Paul), and Cheryl Kelly; six grandchildren: Amanda Gomez, Katie Frederick, Joshlyn Dendy, Sierra Dendy, Madison Weidenbach, and Sage Weidenbach; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Clayton Earle Kelly, and her beloved husband, Mike. Rita’s family and friends will carry forward her legacy of love and laughter and are privileged to have had her as a Mother, Grandmother, and friend.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be given to St. Andrews Presbyterian Topeka, KS

Services will be held this summer please check back for service information.