Funeral services for Rita Jane Turpin, 73, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Willow Springs Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Turpin passed away at 11:18 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Kansas City Hospice House.

She was born September 9, 1943, at Walnut, Kansas, to Lynn Martin Hixon, Sr. and Juanita Kathryn "Katy" Wadsack Hixon.  Mrs. Turpin was employed as a registrar and financial aid at Missouri State University, West Plains for twenty-seven years; retiring in August of 2008.  She was a member of the Church of Christ for over sixty years and was active in youth ministry and community programs.  She loved to travel and was devoted to the Lord's work and to her family.

She is survived by one son, Lee Turpin and wife, Cindy, Belton, Missouri; one brother, Lynn Hixon, Jr. and wife, Rhonda, Independence, Missouri; nine nieces and nephews; twelve great-nieces and great-nephews; one aunt, Roberta Davis and husband, Warren, Fort Scott, Kansas; several cousins; and numerous church family and friends.

Her parents precede her in death.

Mrs. Turpin will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Willow Springs City Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rita Turpin Scholarship Fund at Missouri State University and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.