Rita M. Carlson, 72, of Lockridge passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the Jefferson County Hospital in Fairfield.
Rita was born on December 13, 1950 in Fairfield, the daughter of Vern & Doris (King) Ramsey. Rita graduated from Van Buren High School in the class of 1969. She was united in marriage to Kenny Carlson, the love of her life, on September 4, 1971. Throughout her life she was always devoted to helping others. She worked for the Jefferson County Ambulance, was one of the original members of the Lockridge First Responders, and for 13 years worked at the Jefferson County Hospital. She was a teacher’s assistant for the Fairfield Community Schools.
She is survived by her husband, Kenny of 51 years, of Lockridge, her children, Kent (Becky) Carlson of Lockridge, Kimberly (Jeff) Knafla of Des Moines and Dan Carlson of Des Moines, 8 grandchildren, her father Vern Ramsey of Fairfield and her brothers and sister, Jim (Tony) Ramsey of Donnellson, Doyle (Karen) Ramsey of Des Moines, Carroll (Lori) Ramsey of Eldridge, Darrell Ramsey of Cody, Wyoming and Grace (Jerry) Kysar of Worland, Wyoming.
Rita is preceded in death by her mother Doris Ramsey, and her grandparents, Rex and Mildred Ramsey and Otto and Helen Keck.
A celebration of Rita’s life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Following the service the family will greet friends until 2 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in her memory. According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.