Rita Faye Van Wagner

Rita Faye Van Wagner 90, formerly of Liberal, departed this life on September 18, 2025.

She was born January 19, 1935, to Orville and Ona Holmes in Wichita, Kansas. 

Rita graduated from Liberal High School in 1953. 

She worked at the Southwest Medical Center as a Dietary Supervisor. She made her home in Liberal for most of her life until she moved to Kellyville, OK for health reasons.She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing cards and taking trips to Branson with her friends. She also enjoyed music and her church. 

Rita is survived by one daughter, Patricia Jo Timanus and husband Steve; one son, Michael Ray Van Wagner; grandchildren, Tabatha Hays, J.J. Preeo, Steve Van Wagner, Clint Van Wagner, James Van Wagner, Misty Unklesbay, Dusti Sloan, Steve Timanus, Scott Timanus, Kati Crouch and Dakota Van Wagner; twenty-seven great grandchildren and seventeen great great grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Steve O’Neal Van Wagner, and Jerry Lee Van Wagner, one granddaughter, Franchezca “Chez” Van Wagner, one brother, Gary Lee Wood.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:00pm Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Faith Baptist Church in Slick, Oklahoma under the direction of Hutchins-Maples Matherly Funeral Home.

A private family burial will be held at Liberal Cemetery under the direction of Miller Mortuary.