Rita was born March 6, 1934 in Adrian, MO, the daughter of Wilburn and Ollie C. (Oliver) Kendrick. Rita was a 1953 graduate of Archie High School. She married William Harrison Brown on January 15, 1954. Rita moved to Long Branch, NJ in April, 1954, to be with Bill, who was serving in the U.S. Army. In November, 1955, Rita and Bill moved to a farm in the community of Everett, MO where they raised show horses and Limousine cattle.
Rita worked for Western Electric from 1960 to 1973. She loved country music, dancing, and life in general. She considered her many nieces and nephews to be daughters and sons. In 2008, Rita met David Payne. Rita and David had 10 great years together traveling, attending dances, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bill, on July 23, 2004, and two sisters, Freda Burchett and Evelyn Warren. She is survived by one brother, William Kendrick and his wife, Donna Sue, Camdenton, MO; one sister, Christine Holbrook, Harrisonville, MO; her partner, David Payne, Archie, MO; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
