Rita Shelley

Rita M. Shelley, 87, Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010.
Rita was born October 15, 1923 in Topeka, the daughter of John A. and Mary Ann (Stadler) Desch.
She worked for Southwestern Bell for 26 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Rita married Clyde B. Shelley on May 7, 1945. He died March 16, 1985. She is survived by daughters, Clydette (E.J.) Johnson, Candace Becker, all of Topeka; sons, Steven (Denise) Shelley, Leavenworth, Scott Shelley, Washington, DC; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and brother, John P. Desch. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Stacey Dawn Eaton on January 10, 1970, and son-in-law, James Becker. She will be so dearly missed by her family, but now she can be with our daddy again…Love you mom.
Family Graveside services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery. Rita will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. today.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5375 SW 7th, Topeka, Kansas 66606.