Rita Roland

Rita Roland, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away in her sleep at home on August 1, 2026. Born on February 23, 1952, in Atchison, Kansas, Rita was the cherished daughter of Royetta Ford and Thomas Matthews. She was predeceased by, Robert(Gloria), Royetta(Thomas), Tony(Donna), and Lavelle. Rita leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be profoundly missed by her children, Corey and Alicia(Dejuan), who were the centerpieces of her life. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Chytavia, Chyrah, August, Alaina, and David, and her great-grandchildren, Kyndal, Kynnedi, Kamari, Klover, and Kai'lani. Rita is also survived by her siblings, Nathaniel(Bertha), Oscar(Mara), Nellie(Malin), Maurice, and Calvin, who will forever cherish the memories they shared with her. Rita's early life was marked by her commitment to care and service. In 1970, she attended Job Corps, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing certification. Her nursing career spanned an impressive 41 years, with 31 of those dedicated to the VA Hospital, where she provided compassionate care to veterans undergoing cancer treatments. Her dedication to her profession and patients was unwavering, and her empathy and kindness left a lasting impact on all who had the fortune of being under her care. In her retirement, Rita dedicated her time to caring for her brother Robert during his illness and embraced her role as a grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, she loved spending time with them, she fought her illness hard to stay in this world to watch them grow. Rita's life was filled with simple joys and a profound love for her community. She enjoyed exploring her city by bus, finding delight in the unexpected adventures that each journey offered. She will be remembered for her strange recipes, her jokes and that look she liked to give people also her warmth, generosity, strenght, and her presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A celebration of Rita's life will be held on August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Victory Temple Christian Life Center, located at 3301 E 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64127. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Rita are invited to gather in remembrance of her remarkable life and the indelible impact she had on those around her. Rita Roland's life was a testament to love, dedication, and service. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends as they carry forward her legacy of compassion and kindness.