Rita (Belcher) Cole

Rita (Belcher) Cole, 73, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at Grand Plains Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center in Pratt, Kansas.

Born on August 12, 1952, in Pratt, Rita was the daughter of the late Dean and Gloria (Beals) Belcher. Throughout her life, Rita wore many professional "hats." She worked as a dispatcher and deputy for the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Department, a case worker for Kansas SRS, and a preschool teacher for Atchison County Headstart, among other things.

In the late 1990s, she discovered a true passion for clowning and dove in headfirst. Under the persona of Dizzy, her favorite character, Rita loved making children laugh by performing and creating balloon animals. Her love for performing led to many memorable moments, including a singing valentine for Bill Self, the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

Rita shared her life with two loving husbands. She married J. Alan Winter on June 6, 1987, in Marienthal, Kansas, and they remained together until his passing on January 7, 2016. On January 18, 2018, she married Randy Cole. Together, they enjoyed traveling and adopted four cockatiels. Their travels included a wonderful two-week trip to Randy's home state of California, where they visited Disneyland. Sadly, Randy passed away after a brief illness on February 26, 2021.

Rita is survived by her two daughters, Amanda (Chad) Mische of Cheney, Kansas, and Becky (Brent) Cagle of Lawrence, Kansas, and her sister, Robbie (Scott) Griffiths of Long Island, Kansas. She is also survived by four grandsons: Lucas Griffith, Saige Mische, Garrett Mische, and Kieren Cagle.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered their help and support to Rita. We are grateful for each and every one of you.

A Catholic mass in Rita's honor will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pratt, Kansas (332 N Oak St, Pratt, Kansas).

**Flower contributions may be taken to the church**

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