Rita Suzanne Mayes

Rita Suzanne (Butts) Mayes, 59, passed away Friday, July 21, 2017, at her home in Ottawa, surrounded by family. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The rosary will be said at 6:30 P.M., Monday, July 24, 2017, at the church with a visitation to follow at 7:00 P.M. Inurnment Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ottawa. Rita was born Saturday, April 26, 1958, at Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Elvin A. “Jiggs” and Virginia Lee (Friederich) Butts. She grew up on a farm east of Humboldt, Kansas, graduating from Humboldt High School with the class of 1976. She continued her education at Allen County Community College, Iola, earning an associate’s in accounting. She later graduated with honors from Pittsburg State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. Rita was united in marriage to Harold Keith Mayes September 5, 1998, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her son, Spencer Mayes of the home; two stepchildren, Scott Mayes of Ottawa, and Sara (Ben) Coltrane who are missionaries in the Philippines; four grandchildren, Clara, Noah, Elliott and Samantha Coltrane; and six siblings, Cathy Butts McDonald of Chantilly, Virginia, Chris (Terry) Butts of Humboldt, Brent (Carolyn) Butts of Chanute, Linda Butts of Pittsburg, Julie (Daryl) Steitz of Greenwood, Indiana and Marianne (Joe) Baumchen of Topeka. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Kenton Butts. Rita began employment with Agler and Gaddert Chartered as a staff accountant in 1980 after graduation. She achieved her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in 1982. Rita retired from the firm in April 2017 from the position of tax manager due to her health. She enjoyed camping, hiking and especially the mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park was one of her favorite spots. Rita was gifted in remembering numbers, recalling the exact amount of tax returns she completed 3 or 4 years prior. She loved being with her family and friends and helped at the drop of a hat. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Midland Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Rita’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com