Rita T. Newell

Salina Journal – Oct. 12, 1998 DAMAR — Rita T. Newell, 76, Damar, died Friday, Oct. 9, 1998, at Dawson Place Nursing Home, Hill City. Mrs. Newell was born Rita T. Brin on Oct. 13, 1921, at Damar and was a lifetime resident. She was a homemaker and a school cook in Damar for 30 years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Damar and St. Ann's Sodality.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence "Joe," in 1970; an infant son; and two grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Harold of Damar, Leland of Hays and Dale of Wichita; five daughters, Albertine Garcia and Kathlene Brown, both of Hill City, Louise Newell of Las Vegas, Lois Sumner of Colby and Carmen Sims of Sedan; six sisters, Mariada Newell of Wichita, Barbara Balthazor, Patricia Ficken and Annette Benoit, all of Damar, lona Knipp of Hill City and Sister Diane Brin of Rome, Ga.; 31 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Revs. Donald McCarthy and Bill Kilian officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

A Christian wake will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the church. Memorials may be made to the church, Dawson Place or the donor's choice. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Spencer Chapel, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City 67642, and 9 a.m. until the service Tuesday at the church.