Rita Faye Brawner, 74, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 17, 2020. She was born March 21, 1945, in Caldwell, to Hollis Edward and Inez Ethel (Cowell) Brown.
Rita attended Hutchinson High School and worked in retail management at K Mart, Goodwill, Gibsons, and J.C. Penney. Her service in helping others and being a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, were the most important positions that she held in her lifetime.
On June 29, 1961, Rita married Elmer James ‘Jim’ Brawner in Hutchinson. They shared over 58 years of marriage.
She is survived by: her husband, Elmer James ‘Jim’ Brawner of Hutchinson; son, Todd (Ginny) Brawner of Hutchinson; daughter, Janine (Ted) Calvillo of Hutchinson; brother, Duane (Sallie) Brown of Denver, CO; sister, Patsy Jo (Ron) Slovikoski of Lakewood, CO; grandchildren, Trent (Amy) Brawner, Tiffany Brawner, Peter (fiancé, Michelle Gallo) Calvillo, Ryan Calvillo, and Abby Calvillo; and seven great-grandchildren.
Rita was preceded in death by: her parents; a grandchild; and her beloved dog, Buddy.
Funeral service will be at Elliott Mortuary, with Mr. Ed Mayberry officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Given the current coronavirus situation, friends may go the Facebook page of Rita Brawner for service details and live-streaming information. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County or Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.