Rita James of Warsaw, MO went to meet her Lord and Savior on August 17, 2024.
She was born to George and Rosie (Russell) Lunsford in Agency, MO on August 8, 1954. Her family later moved to New Cambria, MO where she graduated in 1972 from Macon County R-4. After graduation she worked at the MFA Exchange, then worked in several banks in Brookfield, Bucklin, and New Cambria areas, later moving to Marshall.
She married the love of her life, Randy, on November 12, 1988 in New Cambria. The new couple moved to Marshall where they began their married life together.
They were now blending two families into one, bringing Christopher (Julie) Pate, Cory (Rhonda) Pate and Dustin James into this new couple’s family.
Warsaw/Truman Lake became Rita and Randy’s new home in 2003 which they dearly loved. Rita continued her career in banking until she became disabled in 2005. She then took on the role of a full-time homemaker, enjoying her passions of baking and working in her flower gardens.
The role of “Grandma Rita” first happened when Hayden was born. She was perfect! Next came Madison (also perfect). Evan was the first grandson, then came Connor and lastly Chloe. All were “Grandma Rita’s” pride and joy!
Other additions were brought into the family when Cory met Rhonda and her two children, Jacob and Asher.
Rita also got to enjoy two great-grandchildren, Tatum and Indie.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rosie; three sisters, Mary Brewer, Katherine Loubly, and Edna Moyes; sister-in-law, Linda Lunsford; brothers-in-law, James Brewer and John Moyes; daughter-in-law, Jami Pate; and two nieces, Sheila and Carla.
She leaves behind her husband, Randy; three sons, Christopher (Julie), Cory (Rhonda), and Dustin; two sisters, Betty (Louis) Kelim, and Violet (Richard) Weckman; brothers, George Lunsford, Lee (Sue) Lunsford, and Lyle (Peggy) Lunsford; mother-in-law, Betty Gladbach; sisters-in-law, Christina (Don) Nelson and Teresa (Jeff) Stacy; and brother-in-law, Derek (Beth) James. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Hayden (Truman), Madison (Jordan), Evan, Connor and Chloe; great-grandchildren, Tatum and Indie; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, many friends and neighbors; and her four-legged kitties, Abby and Milo.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31st at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Inurnment: Frazier Cemetery
