Rita North

Miss Rita Ann North, 58, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born, Friday, November 5, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of James A. and Vera Varnell (Collier) North. She departed this life at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at the Lee's Summit Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.

She was a 1973 Winnetonka High School Graduate. She earned her BA and MA in vocal and instrumental music at CMSU.

Rita had been employed as a Vocal Music Teacher in both the Pleasant Hill and the Lee's Summit school districts. Then she devoted 7 years to Rita North Ministries, continuing all the while to serve as a full time Music Minister at the Christ Triumphant Church in Lee's Summit. She returned to Pleasant Hill Schools until her retirement.

She was an active and instrumental member of the Missouri Choir Directors Association, the Missouri Music Educators, and the Retired Vocal Music Teachers. She remained enthusiastically involved with the Pleasant Hill Choirs and Theatre departments. Miss North taught private voice lessons and served as an Adjunct Faculty Member for UCM. Her hobbies included baking wonderful pies, sewing, building birdhouses, traveling and gardening. She was a YouTube sensation, producing dozens of videos for people to enjoy.

Rita received the Lord Jesus into her heart at an early age, and was unshakably grounded in faith and hope. Single-minded, steadfast and joyful in His service, Rita passionately brought the love of God to the lives of thousands through her ministry, career and example.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by two brothers Toni (and Karen) North of Claycomo, Missouri, and James Wesley (and Linda) North of Coal Hill, Arkansas; two nieces Kay Miller of Claycomo, and Sharon North of Coal Hill; her faithful dog "Gabby"; other relatives; and a host of many, many, friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, September 22, 2013, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Monday, September 23, 2013, at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Mr. John Dollins officiated. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Ben Dollins, Sam Dollins, Dan Hopkins, Nate Hopkins, Tom Jones, Matt Levy, Steve Sage, and Dwight Widaman.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rita North Music Scholarship or Youth with a Mission and may be sent in care of the funeral home.