Rita Ardell (Hopkins) Martin, 74, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at her home in Richmond. Rita was born Aug. 27, 1950, to the union of Edna (Stotts) Hopkins and John Francis Hopkins, in Omaha, Neb. She was raised with love by Edna following her parents’ divorce. After graduating in 1968 from high school in Hermann, Rita attended Hannibal-LaGrange College in Hannibal. There, in the autumn of 1968, she met and fell in love with fellow student Archie Glen Martin of Henrietta. The couple married in 1969 and were inseparable for the next 55-plus years, parted in the end only by death. They built their life together in Richmond and were devoted parents to their one child.

A quick student of any subject, Rita worked in various jobs throughout her life, starting as a musician at age 15. She earned a paralegal certificate in 1981 from Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University) in Kansas City. She later built a 28-year career working for Dr. John Scowley in Richmond, where she managed and processed claims for his medical practice. Starting in the 2000s, Rita continued working while sharing in child care duties for her grandsons. She retired in 2016.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother Edna and beloved grandmother, Ethel (Knotts) Stotts.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband, Archie; son, Glen Allen Martin and daughter-in-law April (Rose) Martin, both of Richmond; and grandsons, Nathanael Martin (Columbia), Joseph Martin (Manhattan, Kan.) and Andrew Martin (Richmond). Rita’s loss will be mourned by her closest cousin, Mary Crowder of Fayetteville, Ga.; friends from work; and many family members, neighbors and community friends.

A quiet person, Rita used her intellect and interests in music, literature, live theater, radio and antiques to enrich the lives of those within her circle. Raised listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Rita became a knowledgeable and devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, sharing countless afternoons at Arrowhead Stadium with Archie and Glen.

She remained a voracious reader her entire life, a habit she passed on to her son and reinforced in her three grandsons. Deeply influenced by the experiences of her generation, she was a highly principled person who demonstrated how to share convictions with grace and a few well-chosen words.

What defined Rita most, though, was the depth and sincerity of the love she showed to those closest to her. To her friends, she was an unwavering source of affection and support who could be counted on to listen with thoughtful compassion. To Archie, she was a devoted partner in their wonderful marriage, and the two were seen holding hands or linking pinkies into their sixth decade together.

A fiercely loyal and loving mother, she demanded a high standard of kindness and humor from her son. To him and his wife, she gave the irreplaceable gift of expert care for their boys.

In her role as “Granny,” Rita was a delight, mixing her childhood loves of “Rocky and Bullwinkle,” rock ’n’ roll, comics and holidays with newly acquired tolerances for LEGO, movies and obscure eBay toys.

Animals — be they pets, fosters, strays, betta fish, random squirrels, yard rabbits, birds or whatever else — were particularly precious to Rita, and she loved them all tenderly. She was a supporter of animal welfare causes. Her friends are convinced that Rita will be greeted in heaven not only by her grandmother and mother, but also by a grateful menagerie.

According to her expressed wishes, there will be no public service or memorial for Rita. Archie and her family will be comforted by any memories or encouragements you wish to share in the comments of this obituary.

Memorial donations may be made to Wayside Waifs; 3901 Martha Truman Road; Kansas City, MO 64137. The website is www.waysidewaifs.org.