Kay has finished a wonderful life here on earth! She was at her best when you were at your worst. She blessed the lives of thousands with her smile, laughter, warmth, energy, and love of life, family, and friends.
Rita Kay Thomas was born at home on April 14, 1949 in Alanthus Grove, Missouri and entered eternal life on November 26, 2023 in Springdale, Arkansas. Kay was a shining light to everyone she met and overcame a lifetime of adversity. Her father was killed in a truck accident when she was just 2 years old. When she was 11, her mother and stepfather were killed in a boating accident. She was raised by the families of her brother and sisters until she entered the college scene. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer and made a courageous decision to fight the disease her way. To her, quality was more important than longevity.
She received a BS in Education from Northwest Missouri State, was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and active in the KC Alpha Alumni Chapter. She served as past President of both the Northwest Alumni Association and Foundation Board. She loved the Bearcats, and Chiefs, with all her heart!
She taught second grade in Weston, Missouri for 13 years then pivoted to a sales career, selling educational tools to school districts throughout Northwest Missouri, finishing her career as a VP of Sales. At her time of death, she was still making a difference in the lives of others as a Client Representative at Nicholson Meyer Capital Management in Kansas City.