Rita Marie Jurcyk passed into eternal life on the morning of October 14, 2023.  Rita was born October 30, 1933 to Frank and Beatrice Zanotti Menghini and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas.  She graduated from the University of Kansas where she met the love of her life, John Jurcyk Jr.  They married on July 13, 1957, and were constant companions during their 61-year marriage.   John often referred to Rita as the "fairest flower of Frontenac."   

Five children were born of the marriage: Jeff Jurcyk of Kansas City, KS; John David Jurcyk  (Sarah) of Fairway, KS; Amy Benitz (Jerry) of Harvard, MA; Alison Schieber (Keith) of St. Joseph, MO, Annie Jurcyk-Borders of Kansas City, MO, and eleven grandchildren, Jordan (Patti), Seth (Jacque), Christopher, Maria, John, Max, Emma, Joe, Clare, Edmund and Leonardo and two great-grandchildren, Eloise “Lulu” and Winslow. She is also survived by her brother Frank Menghini and nieces and nephews.   

Rita is preceded in death by her parents and by a son-in-law Nate Borders.

Rita never sought praise or the limelight.  She loved her family and was an exceptional wife and mother.  She considered that her primary vocation and more important than more worldly pursuits.  Her husband John predeceased her by five years.  She missed him deeply and talked of him often.  She was always involved and interested in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's lives.  She was a licensed physical therapist and she spent years working in the school district and in a clinic.  As a lifelong Catholic, she was involved in multiple organizations connected to her faith including the St. Patrick's Altar Society and the Mother's Club at her daughter's high school.  She was also active in the Junior League and League of Woman Voters.  

She spent hours passionately playing bridge and had deep affection for her cat Jasper.  Her adult life was spent living in and around Wyandotte County but she spent numerous vacations with her children at Grand Lake of the Cherokee in Oklahoma because her kids loved it.  She will be missed.           

Visitation will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1086 North 94th St. in Kansas City, Kansas on Thursday, October 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 4:15 p.m.  The Funeral Liturgy will take place on October 20 at 10:30 a.m. also at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, KS.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: St. Patrick School or the Sisters Servants of Mary.