ELLINWOOD — Rita Yvonne Hamby Orndoff, 66, passed away on July 7th, 2023 at Azria Woodhaven in Great Bend, Kan. Born in Springfield, Mo. on April 21, 1957 to parents Ellis E. Hamby and June Stephens Hickel. Rita was saved and joined the Baptist Church young. She was a lifetime resident of Ellinwood coming to town at age four months. Rita graduated from Ellinwood High in 1975. She worked at Glassco manufacturing and later Woodhaven in Ellinwood. She was very talented at arts and crafts and enjoyed fixing things for others. Rita loved blessing her friends and family with handmade gifts.  

Survivors include children, Daniel (Sierrah) Orndoff and Megan Orndoff; mother, June Stephens Hickel (Ron); sister, Sheila (Jim) Hacker; daughter-in-law, Christie Hamby; and grandchildren, Dalton and Davin Hamby. Rita was preceded in death by her father Ellis Hamby and son, Brett Hamby. 

Graveside service will take place Mon., July 10th at 10 a.m. at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. Visitation will take place Sunday, July 9th from 1-6 p.m. with family present from 4-6 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, Kan. Memorials are suggested to Cavalry Baptist Church or Ellinwood Garden Club in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS. 67526

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, July 11, 2023