Rita Laws

Rita A. Laws, 83, of Kansas City, MO passed away September 6, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Tuesday September 11th at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm Monday at Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home. Burial in Mount Moriah Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Cancer Research Center, 3501 Berrywood Dr, Columbia, MO. 65201-9968Rita was a remarkable loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister/sister in-law, and dear friend to all.  She inspired us as she faced many of life's challenges including her recent ten year battle with breast cancer.  Rita was a member of Holy Family Catholic church and her faith kept her strong.  Born to John and Lena Lippert on January 6, 1929 in Lansing, KS Rita was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. After graduating from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth,  she  worked in the area of accounting until she retired from National Fire Sprinkler Corporation in 1988. Proceeded in death by her siblings; Frances Wells, Catherine Lippert, Betty Matzeder, Rosalee Althouse and John Lippert. She was married to Carl Townsend, Sr. (deceased) and raised four children Carl Townsend, Jr. (deceased), Dave Townsend (wife Marie), John Townsend (wife Donna), and Donna Pottier (husband John).  She was blessed with marriage to Eddie Laws in 1969 and this year they celebrated 43 years together.  She leaves a stepson Garry Laws (wife Alyson) and a stepdaughter Jan Ross.  She was loved by her grandchildren (Christie, Brent, Patrick, Tyler, Craig, Ryan, Lauren, Kyle, Tanya, Erica, Ben) and eight great grandchildren. Rita was quick to be a friend to anyone who met her and cherished friendships with her square dance clubs and acquaintance from the 20 plus winters she and Eddie spent with family and friends in San Diego to escape the cold Kansas City conditions.  These past several years she also felt very blessed to have a close friendship with her oncologists Dr. Sirridge and his staff. We are all very thankful for their loving support and care they provided – true angels on earth.  Rita will be with us always as she has helped to shape us into who we each are today – we Love you Mom.

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