Rita Turpin
Funeral services for Rita Jane Turpin, 73, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Willow Springs Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Turpin passed away at 11:18 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Kansas City Hospice House.
She was born September 9, 1943, at Walnut, Kansas, to Lynn Martin Hixon, Sr. and Juanita Kathryn “Katy” Wadsack Hixon. Mrs. Turpin was employed as a registrar and financial aid at Missouri State University, West Plains for twenty-seven years; retiring in August of 2008. She was a member of the Church of Christ for over sixty years and was active in youth ministry and community programs. She loved to travel and was devoted to the Lord’s work and to her family.
She is survived by one son, Lee Turpin and wife, Cindy, Belton, Missouri; one brother, Lynn Hixon, Jr. and wife, Rhonda, Independence, Missouri; nine nieces and nephews; twelve great-nieces and great-nephews; one aunt, Roberta Davis and husband, Warren, Fort Scott, Kansas; several cousins; and numerous church family and friends.
Her parents precede her in death.
Mrs. Turpin will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rita Turpin Scholarship Fund at Missouri State University and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Amy "Dunn" Smotherman
September 13, 2016 @ 8:37 am
I will always remember the “red” church bus and having poster board songs to sing while riding to church every Sunday! Rita was a strong Christian woman who is very special to me and I will cherish all the fond memories that were made during my childhood.
Jill henley
September 13, 2016 @ 10:13 am
So sorry for your loss. Rita was a great neighbor and loved to watch my boys sledding down the road in the winter. My prayers are with you.
Alice Vandergriff
September 14, 2016 @ 12:03 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was one of the first people I met when I started teaching at SMSU (MSU) in 1991. She was always so kind and helpful to everyone, and I appreciated her good cheer and sweet smile. I missed her very much when she retired. Love and prayers to her family and friends.
Cynthia Reed
September 14, 2016 @ 1:42 pm
I remember how scared I was my first semester at SMSU in 1996 and what a difference Ms. Turpin made for me… She was always so helpful and I just loved her skirts and high heels. She was quite a real women of life and respect for others. Thank you Ms. Turpin for being part of my life at SMSU… GOD SPEED in Christ Love
Joyce Melby
September 15, 2016 @ 3:19 pm
Such a wonderful lady. So much help when signing up for classes. She always had a sweet smile. RIP she will be missed.
nancy pegues
September 15, 2016 @ 8:44 pm
You will be missed but not forgotten. Always smiling and brought joy to everyone you was around. Never will forget you holding the poster boards with songs. And that when my mom started working I took over mowing your yard for you
Lauren Fournier - Keyhole Software
September 19, 2016 @ 2:57 pm
While we didn’t know Rita personally, we knew of her due to Cindy Turpin who is a member of our team here at Keyhole Software. It truly sounds like Rita lived a wonderful life filled with family and love. We have made a contribution to her scholarship fund; what a wonderful way to commemorate a life dedicated to assisting those pursuing their education. RIP to Rita, and prayers to the entire Turpin family in this difficult time.