HARVEYVILLE — Rita Lucille Converse, Harveyville, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, at her home. She was 95.
She was born Jan. 12, 1927, seven miles north of Harveyville, the daughter of Wilbur and Ina (Ridley) Akers. She graduated from the Harveyville High School with the Class of 1944. She then attended Emporia Teachers College to attain a teaching certificate.
Rita was united in marriage to Charles C. Converse May 25, 1947, at the Harveyville United Methodist Church. They shared over 47 years of marriage before Charles’ death on Jan. 10, 1994.
She taught school from 1944 to 1946 at Rural Country School 86, and then Harveyville Grade School, and was also a homemaker. She was a member of the Harveyville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Harveyville Veterans Auxiliary, Willing Worker and Idle Hour neighborhood social clubs.
Rita loved tending her flower garden. She enjoyed quilting, canning and playing bridge. She traveled to Hawaii, England, Scotland, Alaska and Canada. She white water rafted the Rogue River in Oregon, the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, and the Rio Grande River. She also enjoyed going on several cruises.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; a brother, Dale Akers; and a sister, Doris June Calkins.
Rita is survived by her four children, Kirk Converse (Connie), Harveyville, June Lea Converse (Paul Lessard), Lakeland, Fla., Robert Converse (Diana), Harveyville, and Roger Converse (Debbie), Harveyville; six grandchildren, Gabe Converse (Jenalee), Rachel Converse (Aris Polyzos), Millicent Converse-Gordan (Chad), Kaytlyn Malone (Justin), Josh Converse (Anel), and Michelle Schmale (Chad); and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Harveyville United Methodist Church, 371 Wabaunsee Ave., Harveyville. Interment will follow at the Harveyville Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 503 S. Topeka Ave., Burlingame.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harveyville United Methodist Church or the Harveyville Fire Department and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413.
Condolences may be left at Lamb-Roberts.com.
