Merita "Rita" Margaret (Walker) Lovato

Merita “Rita” Margaret (Walker) Lovato, 74, of Milton, Kansas, passed away on March 14, 2026.

Rita was born on October 29, 1951, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to Violet and Irvin Walker. She lived a life centered around family, kindness, and creativity. Rita devoted many years to caring for her family as a homemaker and also worked as an office assistant and clerk for the Register of Deeds.

Rita enjoyed spending time with those she loved most. She especially loved bowling, crafting with her sisters and grandchildren, quilting, and playing board games. Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit made her a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her daughters, Karla Toole and wife Sarah Diehl of Nortonville, Kansas, and Christina Toole and wife Wendi Winans of Blue Springs, Missouri; her siblings, Lorene Thieme, Lucille Hahn, Martha (Laverne) Carlson, June (Richard) Fairbank, and Frank (Jackie) Walker; sister-in-law Carol Walker; nine grandchildren; and 18 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Irvin Walker; her spouses, Luster Toole and Lenny Lovato; her son, David Toole; and her brother, Jim Walker.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 19, at 1pm, with a visitation from 11:30am to 1pm at Webb-Shinkle Mortuary, 200 S. Tracy St., Clearwater, Kansas 67026.

Memorial donations may be made in Rita’s memory to Victory in the Valley, supporting cancer patients and their families. Donations can be made online at victoryinthevalley.org or mailed to 3755 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.

Rita will be remembered for her love of family, her creativity, and the many memories she created with those who knew and loved her.