Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 5th from 5-7pm at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 6th, at 10am, following the praying of the rosary at 9:30am at Church of Ascension, 9510 W 127th Street, Overland Park, KS. Burial will proceed at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery 8321 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS.
Rita was the heart of her family and the light in so many lives. She radiated grace, compassion and humility and had an unwavering faith that shaped every chapter of her life. Always putting others first, her generosity and endless energy for loving others left an imprint that will never fade.
She had a rare gift for turning acquaintances into friends and friends into family; she truly never met a stranger. Her circle grew wherever she went, and she had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and seen. Whether through a shared laugh, an encouraging word, a game of pickleball, or an invitation to join her at an event, Rita knew how to create community and bring people together. Always eager to try something new, or find the fun in the moment, her joy for life was contagious, and her kind spirit unmistakable.
Known as “Champ”, Rita carried a fierce yet quiet strength. As a 40-year breast cancer survivor, she faced life’s challenges with resilience and steady faith. She never complained, only trusting God had placed her exactly where she needed to be. She was a fierce advocate for those without a voice, championed those who needed support, and used her voice and heart to lift others up. Her loyalty was loud, and her love even louder - starting ripples of kindness and compassion that will be felt for generations.
Above all, Rita lived for her family. They were her purpose and her greatest pride, and she showed up in every way imaginable. Her calendar was a collection of grandchildren’s sporting events, school concerts, graduations, birthdays and milestones of all kinds. She relished the opportunity to be present, cheer loudly, and stand strong for fair play and what mattered.
She embraced her Irish heritage, boldly celebrating traditions and passing down values rooted in faith, love, and service. Her left-handedness, a small but cherished trait, reflected her one-of-a-kind spirit and beautifully unique way she moved through this world. Rita made everyone feel part of something bigger, like they belonged. Her home and heart were always open, a reflection of the deep purpose she found in family.
Rita Marie McNally will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the way she loved, the faith she lived, and the light she brought into the lives of all who knew her. She was a connector, a caregiver, an advocate, and a force for good in the world. She is a true example of living faith in action. Her legacy will live on and will be reflected in countless lives she touched and every memory she leaves behind.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Paul McNally; her father, Bernard Badke; her mother, Marie Badke; and her brother, George Badke. She is survived by her sister Barbara (Tom) Trusk; her brother, John (Christine) Badke; and her sister Joan (Ralph) McCausland; her children Michael (Mollie) McNally; Kimberly (Ken) Laws, and Sean (Danielle) McNally; and her grandchildren Margaret, McKinnley, Maryanne, Rylan, Patrick, Kyleigh, and Regan.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Rita’s lifelong compassion for giving back, the family asks that donations be made to one of the organizations close to Rita’s heart –Philanthropic Educational Organization, Starfish Project Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Catholic Charities
