Rita Marie Reinecke, 74, of Hutchinson, died Sunday, August 26, 2018, at her home. She was born November 7, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, to Marcellus Martin and Agatha (Nemechek) Denning.

Rita graduated from Hill City High School in 1961. She retired from the Kansas Department of Transportation, working for the Reno County Transportation Department for 18 years as an office specialist. Rita was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and taught 'The Great Adventures' Bible history class at the church. She was known for her business, 'Rosaries by Rita' making hand wired rosaries. Rita loved nature and enjoyed the peaceful solitude of her country home.

On May 15, 1964, she married Gilbert Reinecke in Omaha, Nebraska. They had three children and later divorced.

Rita is survived by: children, Deneene Esau (Irvin), Eric Reinecke, all of Newton, Alana Vibbert (Greg) of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Bryan Esau of Newton, Brittany Vibbert of Hutchinson; siblings, Beverly Morford of Hutchinson, Kenneth Denning (Juanita) of Goodland, and Carol Shute of Las Vegas, Nevada; and her beloved German Shepherd of seven years, Sasha.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Parish Rosary will be 6 p.m. Sunday, September 2, 2018, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th, Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, September 3, 2018, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, with Father Michael J. Maybrier officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Hill City, with Father Henry Saw Lone officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Kansans for Life, McPherson County Humane Society (a no-kill animal shelter), or St. Teresa Seminarian Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.