Rita Marie Darkow, 82, formerly of Winfield, Kansas, passed away early Friday morning, November 6, 2020 at the Hospice of Wichita Falls in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Rita was born May 14, 1938 in Safford, Arizona, the daughter of Walter Carl and Irma Mary Ida (Gallmeyer) Sorgatz. She was the oldest of three children. As a child, she lived in various locations including a Navaho Reservation where her parents worked with the Apache children. After living in Miama, her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she attended her High School. Rita continued college later in life, receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree from Cowley Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas. She achieved a 4.0 GPA and a medal of accomplishment. She then taught a Child Care class at Cowley County to share her decades of experience with students.

Rita met Fred C. Darkow in Arizona and the couple was married on June 14, 1955 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona. The couple proceeded their journey in life through many states including Springfield, Illinois, Mobile, Alabama and later Pasadena, California for Fred's Theology education. They continued to Harrold, Texas; Wadena, Saskatchewan, Canada; Brownsdale, Minnesota; and Wichita Falls, Texas. They settled in Winfield, Kansas in January, 1979.

Rita loved her OAFC kids, St. John's College students, neighbors, community and children. She was a Mom to more than just her biological family over the years and was known for the kindness and love provided to those around her. Rita often received calls or visits from the people she helped "raise" in one way or another. Her sharing of practical knowledge and kindness helped many of her "kids" in life. The crafts, toys and kindness provided to daycare kids and grandkids family fulfilled her and the lives she was part of. She loved to sew and cuddle with her puppies.

Rita also loved watching football with her family. Her favorite teams were the K-State Wildcats and Arizona State. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Arkansas City, Kansas and enjoyed being in the Ladies Aide in the Lutheran Church Missouri Church Missouri Synod and a Volunteer for the Republican Party in Winfield. Her baked goods were legendary!

Rita was a childcare provider for over 25 years in Winfield, Kansas. The love of her life, Fred, preceded her in death on December 11, 2015. We know that Rita and Fred are dancing to "Unforgettable" and smiling down on all of us.

Her surviving family includes her sister, Karen Saunders of Roseburg, Oregon; children, Susan King and husband, Kenny of Wichita Falls, TX; Jennifer Morgan-Beuchat and husband, Shawn of Valley Falls, KS; Ernie Darkow and wife, Kammy of Wichita Falls, TX; Faith Linnebur and husband, Jim of Ponca City, OK; Fred Darkow and wife, Becky of Manhattan, KS; Christy Kurtz and husband, Eric of Ponca City, OK; her grandchildren, Jonathan, Krystal, Adam, Phillip, Meagan, Elizabeth, Matthew, Ryan, Britany, Amanda, Chance, Katie, Jordan, Bobby, Kasha, Chase, and Candice; 20 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Every time one of her kids or grandkids told her they loved her she would respond with a smile: "Love you more". And she meant it every time.

Mom, thanks for the love, the laughter, the hugs, the food and all your support over the years. We never deserved it. But you gave it anyways. We love you. We miss you already. Rest in heaven with Dad and the rest of your family. We look forward to seeing you again.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and husband. She lived a quietly extraordinary life and gave so much to those around her.

Funeral services are to be held on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 to 7 P.M.

A memorial has been established in Rita's name for Parkinson's Disease Research and Autism Speaks. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

The pandemic has created many hardships for family and friends and made attending funerals and other family gatherings difficult. Even though we might not all be together at this time, there are many happy memories of family reunions and milestone birthday celebrations that we cherish. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available and social distancing practices are mandatory.

Rita's funeral service will be available to be viewed live on Friday, November 13, 2020, at 10:00 A.M. by clicking the following link: