Rita Sue Easum

Rita Sue Easum, age 82, died April 18, 2026. Rita was born November 18, 1943, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Samuel Easum and Ruth Cool. She lived in Topeka until she moved with her family to Grantville, Kansas, in 1946 where her parents operated the general store and post office. In 1953, she returned with her parents to North Topeka. She graduated Seaman High School then attended the Stormont-Vail School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1964. From 1961 until 1968 she played softball for the Ohse Meats Softball Team. During her time with the team she played in two national championships. In 1969 she returned with her parents to live in Grantville.

Rita worked at Stormont-Vail Hospital from 1964 until 1991, beginning as a surgical staff nurse and progressing to Director of Nursing for Medical-Surgical. She earned her BA degree in Healthcare Management from Ottawa University in 1979. While Director of Nursing, she was awarded the Carl Lamley Award for outstanding service.

Rita worked for Electronic Data Systems for 2 years, and then worked as office nurse for Drs. McElroy, Hamilton, Stuart, and Berntsen from 1993 until her retirement in June 1998.

In August 1998 she moved with her mother to Corona, California, to be closer to her nieces and nephew. Survivors include her brother, Ralph Easum, two nieces, Amy Hope, Corona, California and Sarah Hecker, Frankfort, Illinois, nephew Douglas Easum, San Pedro, California, and great-nieces Lauren Hope, Autumn Hope, Ashley Hecker, and Amanda Hecker.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, beginning at 1:30 pm at the Grantville Cemetery. www.ppdfuneral.com