ULYSSES – Rita Jean (Smith) Friesen, 72, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. 

She was born June 21, 1954 to Duane and Geneva (Smith) Smith.

She graduated from Sedgwick High School.

She gave her heart to God and was baptized April 13, 1969 by Minister Abe Toews at Zion Church in Inman.

She married Kenneth Friesen married Sept. 9, 1977. He survives.

She loved flowers, reading, grocery shopping, buying Christmas presents, and collecting Beanie Babies. She also loved thrifting with her best friend, Anne Schmidt.

Survivors also include her children, Gwen, Jeffrey and wife, Polly, Rebecca and husband, Kelly Koehn, and Travis and wife, Whitney; brothers: Ron and wife, Rosemary Smith, Terry and wife, Jana Smith, Loren and wife, Georgia Smith, and Eric and wife, Tracie Smith; brother-in-law, Ron Nickel; grandchildren: Jori and Johnathan Copp, Maci, Cooper, Ashton, Parker, Dominic, Oakley, Ryker, Malia, Bay, Maverick, and Jett; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; sister, Carolee Nickel; one brother-in-law; and two sisters-in-law .

• Funeral services took place Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at Grant Mennonite Church in Ulysses, with Minister Stuart Jantzen, Minister Bruce Dirks and Minister Karlan Koehn presiding. 

Burial will follow at the Grant Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Rita Friesen Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.

Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.