Rita R. Mudd

Rita Renee (Smith) Mudd, age 56, of Belleville returned to the Lord on December, 15, 2025. She was born on June 21, 1969, in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, to Gene and Joy (Klima) Smith.

First and foremost, Rita had a deep faith and walked with the Lord, so knowing she is in good hands has brought some comfort to her loved ones.

Rita had a loving and generous heart. If you needed something or someone to just listen, she was always there for you.

Her family meant everything to her, and we know she is watching over them still. Her husband of 34 wonderful years, Jeff, was her rock and soulmate. Her girls, Kayla, Brandi, and Katana were her greatest joy, and she loved them with all her heart. Her sister Shawna and sister-in-law Frannie will miss her deeply as their confidant. She was happy when she gained new members of the family, such as her wonderful son-in-law Michael and her endlessly generous neighbor, Elmer.

Rita had so many hobbies and skills that kept her mind and hands busy. She loved to do puzzles, diamond paintings, legos, and endless amounts of crocheting. Even if she did not know how to do something, she would learn and it would become something beautiful. Her family has many cherished items that she made for them with joy.

She also loved to read, and that passion allowed her and her mother Joy, to start a bookstore in Belleville. It was a dream they got to accomplish together, as mother and daughter. They loved providing people with new adventures through their books.

Rita worked at Shady Cottage, where the residents and coworkers became like family. She loved her job, and they loved her as well.

She will be infinitely missed by so many friends and family. Until we meet again!

Rita was preceded in death by her father, Gene Smith; her grandparents; and half-siblings, Steve Smith (survived by his wife, Jane), Pam Smith, Deb Culp, and Rana McCrary.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Jeffrey Mudd; children, Kayla (Michael) Blazek, Brandi Mudd, and Katana Mudd; mother, Joy (Klima) Smith; sister, Shawna (Harold) Oliver, and their children, Taylor Oliver and Addy (Johnathan) Todd; great-niece, Brimleigh; uncle, Darrel (Marcia) Klima; adopted uncle, Elmer Swift; brother-in-law, Joseph (Frannie) Mudd, and their children, Brandon Mudd and Anthony Mudd; along with a host of neices and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. The family will greet friends starting at 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of Rita’s Life will follow at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor Mark McGregor officiating. Guests are invited to visit with the family following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Mudd family with these arrangements.