Rita Ann Phillips-Myers Saunders, 85, of Hutchinson, died Friday, December 15, 2017, at Pleasant Hills, Hutchinson. She was born January 19, 1932, in Coats, Kansas, to Paul and Francis (Shriver) Phillips.

Rita graduated from Dodge City High School and St. Mary of the Plains College. She was an elementary school teacher at Miller Elementary School in Dodge City and Wiley Elementary School in Hutchinson. Rita substitute taught at St. Peter Catholic School in Schulte, Kansas. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. Rita was a fun-loving, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and teacher.

She was married to the children's father, James Taylor Myers. They later divorced. Rita was also married briefly to Jerry Saunders.

She is survived by: sons, Robert Mark Myers (Tami) of Riverdale, Utah, Claude Thomas Myers of Pinehurst, North Carolina; daughters, Kristina Marie 'Tina' Frees (Loren) of Hutchinson, Julia Ann Edwards (Dean) of Wichita; brother, Bennett Phillips of Dodge City; grandchildren, Sara Cox, Emily Jones, Noah Myers, Berkley Myers, Gunnery Sgt. USMC Samuel Myers, Brandis Harper, T. J. Williams, Garrett Williams, Ashlyn Johnson, Alyssa Rosenhamer, Clare Edwards; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Joseph Phillips, Newton Phillips, and Jerry Phillips.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2017, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Miller Elementary School Library in Dodge City or any school library, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.