Rita DeFries

June 17, 1943 - December 17, 2020

Rita DeFries, 77, of Kansas City, KS passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She was born June 17, 1943 in Nodaway County, Missouri, the daughter of Melvin and Sarah Brickey. On September 21, 1962 in Edwardsville, KS she married the love of her life Jack DeFries. Rita and Jack loved to go to dinner and the movies. She also loved to spend time at home. She always had a well decorated home surrounded by her well tended flowers outside. She also enjoyed sewing, word searches, and most importantly spending time with her family. Including her husband of fifty eight years, Jack, she is survived by three children, Greg DeFries (Pam) of Kansas City, KS, Kim DeFries of Great Falls, MT, and Lora Keithley (Tony) of Kansas City, KS; ten grandchildren, Ashley, Logan, Madison, Cameron, Jason (Lisa), Clay, Emily, Cole, Tucker, and Lane; three great grandchildren, Addison, Natalee, and Parker; brother, Bob Brickey (Jan); and many nieces, nephews and great friends. A livestream of funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Maple Hill Funeral Home at https://fb.me/e/3O85yPwW2 All are invited to a graveside service beginning tentatively at 3:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Grinter Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (donate.lls.org). All flowers should be sent to the funeral home before noon on Tuesday, December 22, 2020