Rita Carole Frakes

Rita Carole Frakes, age 63, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024 after a courageous seven year battle against cancer. Rita was born on January 18th of 1961 to parents Joseph and Elaine Frakes in Atchison, KS.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10am, Monday, July 15th in the Northwest High School Gymnasium. Please use the entrance off of Tyler Road and enter through the Athletic entrance. It is requested to wear bright colors to represent her amazing artistic skills and bright personality.

Rita, recently retired as an art teacher and softball coach at Andover Central High School, was an outstanding leader and mentor to students in the classroom and on the field. Her dynamic personality and upbeat outlook had a positive effect on her students, friends, family, and colleagues. She taught for 41 years at Andover Central High School and Clearwater Middle School and High School. She coached volleyball, basketball, softball and track teams, winning softball state titles twice and celebrating individual state champion athletes in track.

Rita’s softball staff was awarded the National Fastpitch Coaching Association Staff of the Year Award in 2018 along with her being awarded the Kansas Association Coach of the Year. Rita began her softball collegiate career at Emporia State University in 1979. She started in  right field for the two National Championship seasons in 1980 and 1981. She earned two Masters Degrees in Counseling and Administration for Education.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elaine (Buthman) Frakes; mother-in-law, Jacke Eckel. Survivors include: wife of 18 years, Susan Jae Eckel of Wichita; father-in-law, Buster Eckel of Clearwater; goddaughter, Addy Harrison; godson, Connor Shurtleff; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; many friends, students, and former athletes.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials: Andover Central High School (memo: Frakes softball memorial), 603 E. Central, Andover, KS 67002; Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218; or LAPP (checks payable to Lifeline Animal Placement) 310 W. 45th St. N, Wichita, KS 67204.

Victory in the Valley
3755 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita KS 67218

LAPP (checks payable to Lifeline Animal Placement)
310 W 45th St N, Wichita KS 67204

Andover Central High School (memo: Frakes softball memorial)
603 E. Central, Andover KS 67002