Rita Adams

Rita Christine Adams, 71, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on February 16th, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on November 11th, 1954, in Parsons, Kansas, Rita was the daughter of Donald and Mina Adams (Baker). From her earliest days, she exhibited an extraordinary affinity for the arts, particularly music and theatre. By just five years old, she was playing the piano - which was just one of the musical passions that blossomed throughout her life. Rita embraced opportunities to perform, immersing herself in dance, music, and drama during her high school years. Her music graced the airwaves at church, where she sang in the choir and played the handbells, piano, and organ.

Rita's talents extended far beyond music; she was also a gifted seamstress- which was inspired by her mother’s work in a factory producing children’s clothing. As she grew up, Rita’s passion for sewing and the arts seamlessly came together. She devoted countless hours designing and sewing costumes for theatre productions at both the Topeka Theatre Club and Shawnee Heights High School. Among her most special creations though, were the wedding dresses she handmade for her daughters.

Rita was a member of Westside Baptist Church, involved with American Baptist Women and the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation. She took great pride in her occupation as an accountant for Douthett and Associates, ABCCR, and Joy Christian radio station, as well as for individuals. Some of these positions allowed her to travel across the United States, where she was able to form many connections within the community. In her leisure time, Rita loved watching a wide variety of sports, always cheering on the KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. For a great number of years, every Monday night was bowling night, a pastime followed by other family members started by Mina. She was a culinary show enthusiast (a tradition that also wore off on her granddaughters!) and enjoyed crafting projects, working crosswords, and playing card games, especially pinochle.

Above all, family held a sacred place in Rita's heart and she cherished the moments spent with her loved ones. Whether crafting, singing, or reading with her granddaughters, imparting wisdom and sharing laughter with her daughters, or proudly taking on the title of Drill Mom to her adoptive military son and daughter’s best friend, family was her world.

Survivors include her two daughters: Kristy (Todd) Hammerschmidt with her sons Connor, Derek and Zachary and Paula (Jay) Park with her daughters Averie and Eilyn. Military son, Thomas. All of whom will miss her very much. She is proceeded in death by her parents and two sisters, Crystal and Peggy.

A memorial service will take place at West Side Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th Street Topeka, Kansas 66606, in early April. Please check back here for updates on days and times. Rita will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont, Kansas. Family is collecting photos of Rita for a slide show during the service to commemorate her life’s journey, please share any photos along with a brief description to: rkpgrizzly@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Rita Adams gofundme Link 

As we remember Rita Christine Adams, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, marked by creativity, love, and an unwavering devotion to family. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will resonate in the songs she sang, the costumes she crafted, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

To share a special memory or leave condolences for the family, please visit the guest book below.