Rita Jean Carinder

Rita Jean Carinder left this world on February 1, 2025, at Ascension St. John in Bartlesville, OK. She was surrounded by the people that she loved most, and those same people loved her so much more. Rita was welcomed into her forever home by her loving God, and by her children Jamie and Shawn.

Rita was born on October 16, 1943, in Kingman, KS to William B. and Helen L. Smith.

Rita graduated from Sedan High School in 1961. After high school, she attained her cosmetology license and practiced as a beautician for several years before being employed by Emerson Electric Co. in Independence, KS. She worked for Emerson until they closed their doors. At that time, she chose to go back to school at Independence Community College receiving her Associates in Science in 2001. Her love of I.C.C. ultimately landed her a job as the Administrative Assistant in the Athletic Department where she remained employed until her retirement.

Rita married Dudley J. Capps on December 10, 1961. That union welcomed two beautiful daughters, Krista E. Capps and Jamie L. Capps. After Dudley passed, she was remarried and from that marriage God sent her another child, Shawn M. Riley.

In her spare time Rita alone supported TEMU! She loved plants and flowers, loved decorating her home, inside and out, with all things bright and colorful, all while being an immaculate housekeeper!

Throughout Rita’s entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God which she shared with her children and grandchildren. She was baptized in the Church of Christ in Jacksonville, AR. She was an avid member of the Church of Christ in Caney, KS.

Her deepest passion however was time spent with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and honorary daughter Sheila (Bob) Haughn.

Rita is survived by her daughter Krista (Larry) Wade; grandchildren, Alyssia (Mike) Swazey; Heath (Kari) Wade; Trent (Shadie) Riley; Paige Cunningham; Tyler Wharton; and great grandchildren Braxton Wade, Saylor Swazey, Jasper Wade, McCoy Swazey, Hayden Cunningham, Iris Gay and Amos Gay.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dudley J. Capps, brother James S. Smith, son Shawn M. Riley, and Jamie L. Short.

Visitation will be February 6, 2025, from 5pm-7pm at Potts Chapel Caney. Services will be held at Potts Chapel in Caney, KS Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10am.