Rita Ann (Gash) Wright 60 years old passed away Monday, September 18, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

Rita was born February 22, 1963, in Brookfield, MO to Wilma (Ziegler) Gash and Marvin Eugene Gash. Rita went to Brookfield R-Ill School in Brookfield, MO. She later moved to Fairbury, Nebraska where she met her husband Lewis Wright from Oklahoma, as he was working on the Carnival in Nebraska at the time. On December 17, 1986 Rita and Lewis Wright united in marriage. Then on May 12, 1988 in Fairbury, Nebraska they brought twin girls Kylie Jo (Wright) Hicks and Kelsie Anne (Wright) Wood in to this world and they have been the highlight of her life since.

Rita loved to follow her girls as they grew up playing softball and basketball. She was the girls' biggest supporter and never missed a game. She continued that with her grandchildren to this day. She also loved to travel and see her friends in Nebraska, as they took several cruises to Cancun, Belize, Cozmuel and Hondruas. Rita and her oldest sister (Debra (Gash) Frazier) and little brother (Robert Gash) loved to go on road trips to wherever it led them to. Rita loved her family time with her two sisters and brother.

Rita worked for Kraft-Heinz for 26 years before she retired. She created lasting memories throughout the years with her second family.

She is survived by her husband Lewis Wright of the home Springfield, MO. Two daughters Kylie (Wright) Hicks and spouse William of Springfield, MO and Kelsie (Wright) Wood and spouse of Ray of Springfield, MO. Three-grandchildren Sean Slagle, Hunter Wood and Payton Hicks. Three siblings Debra Frazier and boyfriend Russell of Hurley, MO, Tracie Wright and spouse Russell of Africa, Robert Gash of Urbana, MO and several nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Marvin Eugene and Bette Gash; Grandparents Marvin and Elizabeth Gash, Mavis Lewis and an infant nephew Eric Matthew Frazier.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Willard Softball and may be left with the funeral home.

Visitation will be from 6:30PM-8:00PM, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will be 2:00PM, Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove with burial to follow at Ash Grove Cemetery. A time of visitation and celebration will 5:00PM-7:00PM, Sunday following the graveside, at Lake Springfield Boat House.