Rita Gail Lash 80, of De Soto, KS passed away Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. Rita, daughter of Rufus E. and Juanita E. Adkins was born on February 3rd, 1946 in Kansas City. She was a graduate of Turner High School, class of 1964. Rita married Clay Daniel (Dan) Lash in 1966 and they raised three children in Overland Park, KS.

Rita worked a variety of jobs, notably at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in the emergency department in admissions. Anyone who knew Rita would remember her by her devotion to her family, her magnetic personality, and her love of snow and cold winter days. She made friends wherever she went, and left a lasting impression on all who met her. Rita enjoyed the spirit of the young, adoring her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dan, daughter Melissa Ross, her parents Rufus and Juanita Adkins, and her siblings Donna Jones and Linda Scroggins. Rita is survived by her sister Carol Byrd, her daughters Lisa (Mark) Moylan, Danell (Will Lacy) Lash, and her grandchildren Audrey (Dylan) Mochal, Jeremy Davidson, Elizabeth Moylan, Cameron Davidson, and DaRon Lash, and her great-grandchildren Jane Mochal and Theodore Mochal. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

Services will be held February 24, 2026, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with a Service at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.