Rita Mae Watowa, 81, Atchison, Kansas, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Monday, September 11, 2017.

Graveside services will be Friday, September 15, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Round Mound Cemetery, in Cummings, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Atchison Humane Society and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences and messages to the family may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Rita was born October 7, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Asa W. and Edna Clark Peak. She attended Hawthorne grade school graduating from Atchison County Community High School in 1953.

Following graduation she became employed with Atchison Coca-Cola and American Loan Plan. She later became employed with the State of Kansas working in various departments for 30+ years.

She was married James E. Watowa on May 3, 1956, and later divorced.

Rita enjoyed going for car rides or “Road Roaming,” sewing, cooking/canning, as she just loved homesteading. She had a passion for gardening, helping people remodel whether it be painting or wallpapering. Above all she was a giving person that loved to smile.

She is survived by two sons, Ronald (Jeanett) Watowa, Atchison, KS, Kenny (Melanie) Watowa, Belton, MO, three daughters, Debbie (Larry) Dooley, Atchison, KS, twin daughters, TC (Rusty) Allison, Arvada, CO, Pamela (Gary) Schrader, Topeka, KS, two brothers, Richard Peak, Udall, KS, Robert Peak, Atchison, KS, nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by infant twins, Asa and Janet Peak, three brothers, Floyd Peak, Lloyd Peak, Gary Peak three grandchildren and one great grandchild.