Rita McKay Obituary January 14, 1953 - April 20, 2026

 Services for Rita McKay, 73, of Russell, will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at the Russell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association in Rita’s name.

Rita Rae McKay passed away April 20, 2026. She was born on January 14, 1953, to Everette and Halleen (DeWolf) McKay, the youngest of five children. Roger, Mildred, Ronny, Marilyn and Rita. Rita was born at home; in the same house she resided in until her passing.

In 1971, Rita graduated from Russell High school. After high school, she worked in the Russell School cafeteria. She enjoyed seeing all the kids come through the lunch line every day.

Rita’s favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved decorating the house and Christmas tree every year. She also enjoyed being present with nature, riding her bike, fishing, planting flowers and feeding the birds. She was known for planting a huge garden and maybe 30 plus tomato plants and lots of other vegetables. She liked to can tomato juice with her garden grown veggies.

Rita especially loved Elvis Presley, music and movies, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and The Price Is Right. Every chance Rita got, she loved going to the casino. You knew if she won, as she would squeal (kind of loud). Of all things Rita loved, her favorite was her collie dog Laddie. He was her best buddy.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Everette and Halleen, brother, Roger, nephew, Kevin Trenary, and brother-in-law, John Guffey.

She is survived by her siblings: Mildred Guffey of Carlisle, Ronny (Patty) McKay of Chariton, Marilyn (Butch Vanderpool) Trenary of Chariton; nieces and nephews: Dennis (Dora) Guffey, Michael (Linda) Guffey, Dianna (Kirk) Abrahamson, Susan (Gregg) Gustafson, Brian (Karla) Trenary; great nieces and nephews: Alyssa (Josh) Hernandez, Laney and Kylie Abrahamson, Nate Guffey, Grant (Madeline) Gustafson, Ryan (Elsie) Gustafson, Mackenzie (Chris) Gustafson, Brady (Ashley) Trenary, Turner Trenary; great great nieces and nephews: Lucy and Lilah Hernandez, Huxon and Lily Trenary and Gates Gustafson.