RITA KATHRYN FAIRFAX

10-20-1941 – 01-30-2023

Rita Kathryn Fairfax, 81, of Sedalia, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center. She was born Oct. 20, 1941, in Oregon County, Mo., a daughter of the late William Harold and Edna (Casey) Edwards. In 1957, she married Jimmie J. Jones, who preceded her in death in Dec. 1981. On Sept. 3, 1988, in Sedalia, she married Jimmy L. Fairfax, Sr. who survives of the home.

Rita was a 1959 graduate of Thayer High School. As a schoolgirl, she sold tickets at the local theater in Thayer and later worked for Western Auto in Thayer. She ran a bus depot and restaurant in Cabool and ran a bus station in Warrensburg for several years. She relocated to Sedalia in 1969 to open the Trailways Bus station which later become Greyhound Bus. Rita ran the family businesses, Fairfax’s AA Bonding, Western Union and laundry in addition to the bus station. She also owned and managed several rental properties.

Rita enjoyed collecting antiques, going to rummage sales, reading, traveling and tending to her animals.

In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by four children, Brad Jones (Angela), of Sedalia, Lori Fairfax, of Jefferson City, Michelle Fairfax (Pepper), of Sedalia, and Jimmy Fairfax, Jr. (Rebecca), of Sedalia; a sister, Sherry Edwards, of Thayer; six grandchildren, Robby Kreisler, Sharae Barnes, Heather Hall, Chance Williams, Jacquelyn Fairfax and Raegan Fairfax; as well as numerous greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Jimmie Scott Jones; and a brother, William Harold “Bub” Edwards, Jr.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Roger Sherman officiating.

Pallbearers were Chancey Sherman, Clayton Campbell, Robby Kreisler, Kevin Culley, Pete Volkenant and Tim Laughery. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Culley, Wayne Hutcheson, Norman Cree, Mike Layton, Alvin Franklin and Larry Sherman.

Burial was in Highland Sacred Gardens.

Visitation was from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sedalia Animal Shelter or a charity of the donor’s choice.