Rita Rose Fairbanks

Rita Rose Fairbanks, 90, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on December 2, 2019. Rita was born on August 3, 1929 in Wamego, Kansas, daughter of Vincent and Frances Nussbaum Fiegener.

Rita worked as a switchboard operator with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for many years, then became a PBX Operator for Stormont Vail Hospital for over 16 years, where she later retired.

Rita was known for her superb record keeping. She made many lists throughout her life. The best list was her “date” list. Her and her girlfriends would make a list of the boys that they would go dancing with. There would be stories about some or just their names. The last name on the list was James W. Fairbanks, who became her husband for over 57 years.

Rita enjoyed painting and gardening and was a member of a bowling league and pitch league.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband James, her daughter Mary Jo Fairbanks; brothers, Lawrence Fiegener, Bernard Fiegener, and Eugene Fiegener; sisters Ann Tuck, and Evelyn Zoeller.

She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Richard) Forester of Overland Park, KS, Roxanne (Steve) Bowlus of Pensacola, FL, and Thomas (Linda) Fairbanks of Wichita, KS, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; brother, Paul (June) Fiegener and Sister In-Law Leeanne Fiegener.

Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2019, at Christ the King Catholic Church, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Parish rosary will be prayed at 10:30 followed by Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11:00 a.m. Private inurnment will follow at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. 800 SW 6^th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66603.