Rita Boranyak Bates, 74, Topeka, handed away at Midland Hospice on Monday, April 6, 2026, after an prolonged sickness.
Rita was born on January 7, 1952, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Rudolph and Atha Rounkles Boranyak. Rita graduated from Hayden High School in 1970 after which attended Washburn University.
Rita married John Bates in 1973 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. John preceded Rita in dying in 2018. John and Rita had a beloved daughter, Kelly Marie Bates, who handed away in 1982.
Rita was a loyal caregiver to Kelly throughout her sickness, and later to John throughout his sickness.
Rita was a particular schooling skilled for Topeka Unified School District 501 for 30 years, working at Highland Park North and Avondale West Elementary Schools. After retiring in 2017, Rita volunteered at Head Start.
Rita was cherished and extremely revered by her college students and colleagues. In 2000, Rita acquired the Distinguished Staff Award, the very best honor USD 501 bestows on a workers member.
Rita and John had been avid KU followers and members of the Jayhawk Club. They cherished touring, and their favourite locations had been Mexico and Carmel, California.
Rita had many mates. She loved frequent lunches and outings along with her mates from aqua train courses and with former Miller’s Glen neighbors. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Also previous Rita in dying had been Rita’s twin sister, Regina Faidley; nephew Brian Strong and her dad and mom.
Rita is survived by her brother, Mark Boranyak (Sharon); sister, Terri Strong (Mark); nieces, Holly Busey (Matthew), Katie Faidley and Nikki Stiles (Chris); and lots of nice nieces and nephews.
Visitation might be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, adopted by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Burial will instantly comply with at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions could also be made to The House at Midland Care, despatched in care of the funeral dwelling.
Condolences could also be despatched on-line at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com
Posted on-line on April 10, 2026
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
