Rita M. (White) Roets, 69, died on September 10, 2018 at Via Christi hospital in Wichita after a long battle with COPD.

Rita’s grandsons were her world, and the love they shared for each other was inspiring. Before she became ill, she loved to take them on frequent road trips in Kansas to explore new towns and communities. Rita also loved to play card games, board games and work in her yard.

Until a few years ago, her plants and flowers were always beautiful. When her grandsons became adults, she would have lengthy conversations several times a week to discuss politics or music, but mostly she wanted to hear about their activities and adventures. Recently, she was so proud to be able to attend her youngest grandson’s college graduation and reception. Rita loved music. In her youth she played the piano, the clarinet and had a beautiful singing voice.

Education was very important to Rita. Not only did she work for many years as a secretary for Kansas State University, she obtained a degree in Political Science from Wichita State University. She fought for women’s rights, both as a member of NOW and financially to many civil rights organizations and causes. Rita always took joy in the simple things, she was a beautiful woman and her appearance was important to her. She will be remembered as being polite, compassionate and loving to everyone, but mostly to those she loved.

She is survived by a daughter Debbie (Roets) Haag and her husband Joel Haag and two grandsons, Matthew and Jacob Leverich, all of Hutchinson, and a brother, Ronald White of Manhattan. She is preceded in death by parents, Max and Ruby White, formerly of Zeandale, Kansas.