Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma

© Billings Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Vretta "Rita" Jane Tromblee Lieswald

February 4, 1939 ~ July 17, 2025

Vretta "Rita" Jane Lieswald, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 17, 2025 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Burial will take place at 10:00 am Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in the Elmwood Cemetery with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Crown Heights Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Evans officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home.

Rita was born on February 4, 1939 in Woodward, Oklahoma, to Ross Vernon Tromblee, Sr. and Alice Jane (Brawner) Tromblee. She was third of four children. From a young age, she attended First Baptist Church in Woodward, beginning her lifelong walk of faith.

Rita grew up in Woodward, where she enjoyed a happy childhood. Rita loved to attend work with her father. The love that he showed Rita paved the way in building relationships with anyone she came in contact with. She attended Woodward schools, excelling in academics where she won several Spelling Bee Competitions and activities such as basketball and band, where she played the clarinet. At the age of 8, Rita witnessed the Woodward tornado that left an imprint that would be passed down to generations.

At a young age she met and married Gene Kinney. To this union they had three children. She later married Gail Warner Lieswald, with whom she had three more children and gained two step children. Rita worked for many years as a caregiver and was known for her kindness and compassion. After moving to Shawnee as a single mother, she instilled in her children perseverance to overcome many trials life may give. At age 45 she took a business class and later received her GED when she was 50. She then went on to get her Realtors License. Rita later joined Crown Heights Baptist Church and was baptised in the church.

Rita loved creating a welcoming home, gardening, holiday decorating, cooking large family meals especially for Thanksgiving, playing the organ while singing hymns and caring for her pets. She also enjoyed garage sales, crafts, and of course dancing. Most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Always wanting to be there when the next one arrived. Rita will be sorely missed by family and friends. Knowing she is with Jesus smiling her beautiful smile that is forever etched in our minds. Until we meet again.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Iola Hunter, Bonnie Rutman, Mary Jane Smarsh, and Ross Tromblee, Jr., step daughter, Brenda Kay Lieswald, grandson Nicholas Scott Hinkle and step great grandson Isaac Walker Foutch.

Rita is survived by her children, Ed Kinney and wife Debbie, Donna Grogan, Virgil Kinney, Julie Wheelright and Phil Martin, Stephanie Hull and husband Kenny, Nathan Lieswald and wife Tena; 24 grandchildren; numerous great and great great grandchildren.

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