Rita Ann Rochelle

Rita A. (Senn) Rochelle, 87, of Topeka, KS died Thursday, November 9, 2017. She was born on June 6, 1930 at St. Francis Hospital. She grew up in Valley Falls, KS, the daughter of Herman and Virginia (VanDruff) Senn. She graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1948 and moved to Chicago working for the railroad. She then moved to Topeka, and was working at Forbes AFB where she met her husband of 52 years, William E. Rochelle.

Rita raised seven children, sold Avon and then pursued a career in real-estate. She enjoyed being with her family and friends, cooking and playing cards and was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Rita is survived by her seven children, Diane Voss (David) of Topeka, Royce Rochelle of Berryton, Mary Rochelle of Overland Park, Rebecca Rochelle of Topeka, Rex Rochelle (Jan) of Wichita, Renee Sumpter (Stacy) of Berryton, Ryan Rochelle (Tommy Millburn) of Topeka and a sister, Kathleen Taylor of Colorado Springs, CO. Six grandchildren Aimee Voss, Matt Rochelle, Justin and Lindsay Rochelle, Sara and Sam Sumpter and five great-grandchildren also survive.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband William, parents Herman and Virginia Senn, step-mother, Jean (Baldwin) Senn, brothers, Herman “Sonny” Senn and Gerry Senn.

A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Following the rosary, the family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Valley Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic School Scholarship Fund or to Birthright of Topeka sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennenmathenafh.com.