LaRita Kay Peterson

LaRita Kay (Atchison) Peterson passed away on June 19, 2025, in Hays, Kansas at the age of 83. She was born on March 10, 1942 in Arvonia, Kansas

She graduated from Lebo High School with the class of 1959.

Rita was united in marriage to Robert Peterson on August 25, 1961. They had one daughter, Roxanne.

Rita held various office jobs as a young Army wife but was primarily a homemaker after Roxanne was born. Bob and Rita lived in many different places throughout Bob’s military career; however, Rita’s favorite was Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After Bob’s retirement from the Army, the family relocated to Osage City, Kansas. As an avid reader, Rita found the perfect job working at the Lieber Public Library. Wanting to be closer to family, Bob and Rita moved to Hays, Kansas and enjoyed attending their granddaughters’ activities. Rita then moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas and found a new group of friends at Phillipsburg Estates.

Rita is survived by her daughter Roxanne and husband Mitch Bartels of Phillipsburg, Kansas, granddaughter Regan and husband Zach May of Oberlin, Kansas, granddaughter Tatum Bartels of Kansas City, Kansas, and great-grandsons Bryson and Kyler May of Oberlin, Kansas. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Hazel Atchison and Marylln Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Joe and Ferne Atchison, brother Larry Atchison, in-laws Roy and Alice Peterson, and brother-in-law Roy Peterson.

Rita was known for her love of reading, collecting cookbooks, and trying new recipes! She loved collecting cookie jars and was always on the hunt for a new pair of shoes!

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 W. Sixth, Lebo, Kansas. Family will receive an hour before service. Burial will follow at Arvonia Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be designated to Arvonia Historic Preservation Society and may be left at the services or mailed to Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.