Rita Kay Killian was born January 16, 1947 in Ventura County, CA the daughter of the late Charlton Eugene Smith and Josephine Alberta Flynn Smith.
Rita was a certified horse trainer. She was entrusted with the training and in some cases medical care for the horses. Her love of animals extended beyond horses, she loved all animals. A self taught tanner who turned hides into many gifts including her coon skin hats. She was fun loving, always joyful and enjoyed being outdoors.
Throughout her life, Rita lived in many states most recently in Oklahoma before moving to Tennessee. She was an avid reader and collector of books.
Mrs. Killian departed this life on October 5, 2021 in Ramer, Tennessee at the age of 74 Years, 8 Months, 19 Days. She is survived by two daughters, Belinda Brooks and husband Wayne of Ramer, TN, Tracey Leigh Bruce and husband Shannon of Raleigh, MS; a son, Lavelle Dean Westbrooks and wife Kay of Taylorsville, MS; sister, Deloris Ann Ross and husband C.W. of Springfield, OR; brother, William Rogers of Sylvarena, MS; sister-in-law, Virginia Smith of Muskogee, OK; brother-in-law, Billy Thornton of Amarillo, TX; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 17 nephews and nieces.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Killian was preceded in death by a sister, Nita May Thornton, and two brothers, John F. (Leigh) Smith and Ronald Rogers.
In lieu of flowers please send sympathy cards to 65 Linda Lane Ramer TN 38367.
