HOISINGTON — Rita Ann Bailey, 76, died Dec. 25, 2025, at her home in Hoisington. She was born Dec. 11, 1949, in Great Bend, Kan., the daughter of Russell and Esther (Busch) Rowley. Rita graduated from Hoisington High School and then attended Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kan.
A lifetime resident of Hoisington, Rita used her business skills in many ways. She worked for Clara Barton Hospital before the name change and was a certified EMT volunteering with the Hoisington EMS. She later worked as a survivor loan officer at First National Bank in Great Bend and managed FINA farm gas delivery service. She was a medical officer and office assistant for the packing plant until it’s closure. Rita was currently working as the office manager for Washington Roofing and was planning on retiring this March.
Rita never forgot a birthday, ever, and was always loving and supportive of the children in her life. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Adison Rien Rippie of Hoisington; honorary daughter, Erica (Kevin) Rose of Hoisington; two brothers, Jerry (Sally) Rowley of Overland Park and Raymond Rowley of Tennessee; two sisters, Sister Janet Rowley of Wichita and Judy (John) White of Garden City; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Brian Lee Bailey.
Friends may sign the book at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation was chosen per Rita’s wishes. Rosary will be 10 a.m., at the church with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 9th, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Inurnment will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington, Kan. Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
PO Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 3, 2026
