Rita Spradlin Obituary

Rita Ruth (Franks) Spradlin, 95, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

Born in Minneola, Kansas, the fourteenth of sixteen children of James William and Kitty Pearl Franks, Rita graduated from Bloom High School in 1948. That same year she married Joe Spradlin, a loving marriage that lasted 72 years until Joe's passing in 2020. Together they raised three sons: Joe Jr., Donald, and Michael.

Rita devoted her life to family, education, and community service. After years supporting Joe's career, she proudly earned her B.A. in Education and taught preschool. She was active in many organizations including the League of Women Voters (serving as Kansas state president), Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Spencer Museum of Art, KU Audio Reader, and numerous others.

She is survived by sons Donald (Mary) and Michael (Sylvia); daughter-in-law Jill Spradlin; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister Shirley Goodnight (Olie); and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her son, Joe Jr.; and fourteen siblings.

The family thanks the staff at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor and Visiting Nurses Association Hospice for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Habitat for Humanity, or Just Food Lawrence