Rita K. Edwards, age 80, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, died Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Columbus Junction following a battle with cancer.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Elm Grove Cemetery with Pastor Jason Collier officiating. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for Rita's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com . The family would like to invite friends to join them at the Ainsworth Community Church immediately following the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

Rita was born July 7, 1942, in Washington County, Iowa, the daughter of Adolph F. and Edith M. (Miller) Guenther. She attended Prairie Flower School through eighth grade and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1960.

Rita lived in Washington, Iowa, prior to moving to Colonial Manor. She worked at the Washington Evening Journal for many years and later worked at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics until her retirement in 1995. Rita was a huge Iowa Hawkeye Basketball fan and also a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. She loved playing cards, doing diamond art and enjoyed coloring. Rita enjoyed wintering in Texas. Rita was a great friend to all and she loved her children and grandchildren immensely.

She is survived by son, Mark (Mike Skinner) Edwards of Cathedral City, CA; son, James (Gayle) Edwards of Washington, IA; daughter, Donna (Brian) Bohr of Mt. Vernon, IA; son, Tim (Tammy) Edwards of Wapello, IA; son, Don (Nicolette) Edwards of Riverside, IA; son, Dave Edwards of Riverside, Iowa; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two chosen sisters, Irene Klein and Donna Burnett.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, and her chosen sister, Wanda Hoskins.