Rita Marie Blubaugh, 94, of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, at her home.

Born July 3, 1931, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Damien Leo and Marie (McClung) Blubaugh. She was raised in Blackwell and then moved to Douglass, Kansas until her mother’s passing in 1989. She then moved to care homes in Winfield and Arkansas City. She thrived in the care home, as she had friends to socialize with and was involved in the special olympics. She loved people, music, and animals, especially horses, cats, and dogs. She also enjoyed the outdoors and flowers.

Her family includes her nieces, Kimberly Proctor (Bruce) of Leon; and Jennifer Tice (Drew) of Ames, IA; five great nieces, one great nephew, four great-great nieces, and two great-great nephews.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by sisters, Jeanne Carter, Joan Blubaugh, and Mary Kathleen Parker, brother Joe Blubaugh, and a niece Kristi Field.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 29, 2026, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will take place at Blackwell Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Rita’s name for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.