Merita "Rita" Margaret (Walker) Lovato

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

Born on October 29, 1951, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to Violet and Irvin Walker, Rita lived a life centered around family, kindness, and creativity. She 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 found great joy in 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.

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