Obituary-Rita May Holthus, 76

October 1, 2004

Rita May Holthus, 76, passed away on September 17, 2004 at home with her family by her side. Rita was born on May 3, 1928 at First View, Colorado, to William S. and Urtle Alderson. The family moved to Wallace, Kansas, in 1937 and then in 1940 relocated to Kit Carson, Colorado.

Rita graduated from high school in 1946 and moved to Denver with friends and worked at Montgomery Wards for several months. Rita married Gordon Korrell on March 22, 1947 in Sharon Springs, Kansas, and from this marriage two children were born, Charlotte and Michael. Gordon passed away on February 4, 1978. Rita married Clarence Holthus September 10, 1983.

Rita worked for a total of 32 years, many of which were as the County Clerk of Cheyenne County Colorado. She loved politics and remained involved at the local, state and national levels until her retirement. Rita was well known for issuing drivers’ licenses and was not shy about failing family members. She and Gordon were involved in Eastern Star for several years and both attained the highest station of Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. She was a member of the Past Matrons Club. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees, in the past few years she was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Senior Citizens Center. Rita was an avid gardener and loved to travel. Rita and Clarence worked together at the courthouse for 16 years. They took several trips throughout their 21 years together to include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Rantoul, Illinois and the Black Hills.

Surviving is her husband Clarence Holthus of Cheyenne Wells; daughter Charlotte Ann Korrell-Frazzini and husband Jerry of Westminster, Colorado; son Michael James Korrell and his wife Charlene of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado; grandchildren Kraig Lowe, Caleb and Carli Korrell; sisters Joyce Colvin and husband Bill of Kit Carson, Colorado; Vicki Baker and husband Kevin of Rantoul, Illinois. Also surviving are her step-children Dennis Holthus of Westminster, Colorado; Roberta Jamieson and husband John of Snoquaimia, Washington; Caroline Easton and husband Fred of Laxley, Alabama. Numerous relatives and many friends further survive her. She was preceded in death by parents William S. and Urtle Alderson, brother William Alderson, Jr., and step-son Michael Holthus.

Memorial donations may be made to Eastern Colorado Bank, Cheyenne Wells, Coloarado.

Funeral services for Rita May Holthus were held on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Cheyenne Wells, with Rev. Michael Ingersoll and Pastor Susan Warren officiated. Pastor Warren also served as the vocalist, singing "Here I Am Lord" and "How Great Thou Art" accompanied by Marge Carter. Casket bearers were: Kraig Lowe, Caleb Korrell, Dennis Holthus, Steven Korrell, Kevin Baker, Jeff Colvin and Bud Dark. Honorary casket bearers were: Vi and Dale Hanavan, Jeanne and Justin Smith, Cheryl and Don Gerky, Kay and Don Feyh, Marie and George Beard, Maxine Smith, Sue Kern, Marla and the staff at Lincoln County Hospice and the United Methodist Women.

Following the funeral service, the large gathering of friends and family processed to the Fairview Cemetery in Cheyenne Wells for the committal services. Brown Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.