Lita Wilson, 86, a long-time resident of Gaylord, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne, Kansas. She was born in Hawkeye Township, Osborne County to Norris and Florence Eller on May 9, 1926.
Lita had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. Her interests included family, gardening, sewing, cooking and reading. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to her family members. She encouraged her children to be independent and was very proud of her boys' work ethic. She often told her daughters they shouldn't leave home until they could make homemade bread and change a flat tire.
She worked as a telephone operator in Gaylord for years, then as a store clerk in Smith Center. During her employment, she developed many friendships and enjoyed visiting with people.
Her grandchildren brought great joy to her later years. She taught them to tie a shoe, how to make homemade noodles, crochet, and play sports. If any of them had a clothing tear, they always took it to Grandma because she made the best patches.
Lita is survived by her sisters, Rita Ifland (her twin), Glenda Anderson, and Doreen Wood; her five children and their spouses, Andy and Lisa Wilson of Gaylord, Patty and John Caffrey of Virginia, Larry and Barbara Wilson of Smith Center, Marsha and Jeff Coop of Portis, and Joe and Garoleen Wilson of Smith Center; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Kenneth Wilson; and brother Darrel Eller.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:30AM, Friday February 15, 2013 at the Gaylord Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Keith Sears officiating.
Burial will follow in the Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, KS.
Visitation will be held from 5PM until 8PM at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary in Smith Center.
The family requests memorial contributions be made in her name and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
For online condolences, please visit www.simmons-rentschler.com.