Rita Elaine "Laney Gal" Sadowski

Rita Elaine “Laney Gal” (Phipps) Sadowski was born on February 1, 1946 in Wichita, Kansas. She passed away in Lexington Park Nursing Facility in Topeka, Kansas on August 2, 2024 where she had been living for the past year during the last stages of Alzheimers.

Rita is survived by her husband, Allen Sadowski of Grantville, KS, daughter Tracy Rafferty (Todd) of Topeka, KS, son Jeff Sadowski (Candace) of Paxico, KS, stepdaughter Tammy Thompson of Independence, MO, and stepdaughter Sherri Watt (David) of Lee's Summit, MO. Rita is also survived by five grandchildren, Brandon Fuller (Megan) of Pleasant Hill, MO, Ashley Andres (Gerren) of Topeka, KS, Heather Rafferty, Kansas City, MO, Amber Kurz (Jason) of Lee's Summit, MO, Brett Hoy (Jordan) of Lee's Summit, MO, eight great-grandchildren (Blair, Isla, Jude, Pearl, Mason, Cooper, River, and Walker), a sister Robin Pinkerton of Newton, KS, brother James Phipps (Vicki), Paulden, AZ and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Fern Phipps of Newton, Kansas and brother-in-law, Jay Pinkerton, also of Newton, KS.

Rita graduated from Remington High School in Whitewater, KS in 1964. She married Allen Sadowski on July 20, 1968 in Newton, KS. A devoted wife and mother, Rita kept busy as a stay-at-home mom and (baseball) coach's wife for several years before pursuing work outside of the home. She worked in a variety of jobs over the years, excelling in the administrative field. Her last career move was to the Department of Commerce where she worked as a senior administrator until her retirement in 2008. Rita also ran a family business with her husband during the holiday season selling Christmas trees.

Rita was well known for her creative talent and artistic abilities. She enjoyed a variety arts and crafts, and the things she created with her hands were beautiful and a joy to receive. Her knack for decorating was exceptional, and she was often asked by friends and family to lead the charge when it came to weddings, baby showers, parties, and the like. Rita was a great dancer, a wonderful cook, and enjoyed playing guitar and keyboard, fishing, watching baseball, reading, and writing an occasional poem. She had an infectious laugh and got a kick out of playing practical jokes on family and friends, winning at Liverpool rummy, and competing in a variety of silly games played during family get-togethers that had everyone laughing hysterically.

Before becoming ill, Rita made Christmas a wonderful celebration each year; cooking, decorating and adding her special touch to everything. She never forgot a birthday. She had a soft heart towards animals and babies. She loved Jesus and attended Covenant Baptist Church in Topeka, KS for several years.

Rita will be greatly missed by her family and loved ones but will forever be in hearts and memories.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Parker-Price & Davidson, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608.

Graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Grantville Cemetery in Grantville, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society in Rita's honor (5720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604).

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