Rita Marie Bixby, 91, passed away April 13, 2017 at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Salina, Kansas. The daughter of Edward and Francis Schartz, she was born March 6, 1926 in Ellinwood, Kansas.

A devoted wife and mother, she was a long standing member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. She served in the Holy Cross school cafeteria, was a member of St. Teresa''s Altar Society and Harvest House. She loved playing table games; however, she had a real fancy for the Bixby family version of marbles. She moved from Hutchinson to Salina, Kansas in 2008.

She married Richard H. Bixby on March 15, 1946 in Ellinwood, Kansas. He preceded her in death on October 9, 2007.

Survivors include 3 sons, Daryl and David Bixby of Salina, Kansas, and Dana Bixby from Mt. Home, Idaho; 2 daughters, Donna Hosso of Phoenix, Arizona, and, Denise Wambsganss of Denver, Colorado; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 11:00 am at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Boulevard, Hutchinson, Kansas. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Elizabeth''s Catholic Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, Salina, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial to Kindred Hospice and gifts may be left in care of Old Mission - Heritage Funeral Home, 528 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas.