Rita Hartman, age 93, passed away April 30, 2018, at the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care, in Hoxie, Kansas. Rita was born June 28, 1924 on the family farm east of Palco, Kansas to Emile A. and Alma L. (Balthazor) Bachand. After the death of her mother in 1926, she was raised by Leo and Martha (Knipp) Balthazor. In 1965 Rita’s father died, and she was adopted by Leo and Martha on August 7, 1967.

Rita graduated from Grinnell High School in 1942. After graduation, she worked for Flemming’s Bakery in Wichita, Kansas. She returned home and worked for the Coop Grocery Store in Grainfield.

On January 9, 1945, Rita was united in marriage to Adam B. Hartman at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Grainfield, Kansas. After she married Adam she worked alongside with Adam on their family farm and was the mother of five, Donald, Dwight, Darrell, Durrell, and Denice. Rita also did babysitting in the home, was custodian for St. Agnes Church & Educational Center, and taught CCD classes. At the age of 44, Rita lost the love of her life, Adam, on January 21, 1969. After Adam died, Rita worked at the Gove County LTC. Other jobs included transporting special-needs students to Hoxie, cooking and driving bus for USD 292. When Rita was not working, she enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

Rita was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and the Grainfield American Legion Auxiliary Post #301. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella of Park-Oakley.

Survivors include four sons, Donald L. Hartman (Mary) of Grainfield, Dwight E. Hartman (Kathy) of Grainfield, Darrell “DJ’ (Pat) Hartman of Salina, Durrell Hartman (Gidget) of Grainfield; one daughter, Denice (Hartman) Goetz (Ed) of Grainfield; five grandsons, Derek Hartman (Cara) of Vincent, Ohio, Lance Hartman (Emily) of Hays, Justin Hartman (Holly) of Salina, Kyle Hartman (Amanda) of Lenexa, Tyler Goetz (Samantha) of Grinnell; six granddaughters, Darnelle Keith (Michael) of Hoxie, Stacie Maes (Jeff) of Salina, Terra Blackwill (Tom) of Quinter, Jodi Gabreil (Jesse) of Omaha, Nebraska, Tiffany Flieg (Chris) of Salina, Trisha Bengston (Tyler) of Windom; two step-granddaughters, Marissa Ginther, Maranda Retzloff (Dane) of Colby; fifteen great-grandchildren, Morgan and Aaron Keith, Ella, Max, and Charlie Hartman, Maximus Maes, Caitlyn and Collin Blackwill, Brooklyn, Bryce, and Brady Hartman, Daxton Hartman, Brecken, Brogan, and Brynlee Goetz; three step-great-grandchildren, Carson Gabreil, Gaige and Lauren Retzloff.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; adopted parents; husband, Adam; great-granddaughter, Lily Marie Hartman; three brothers, Phillip, Emery, and Gedeon “Chuck” Bachand; and four sister, Mary, Sister Alma (Thelma) Bachand, Ludella Slansky, Edmae Urbanek, and Sister Annette (Aldea) Bachand.

Rita’s heart of warmness and kindness will always be felt. Rita will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.