HOLTON- Rita Renea Waterman, 43, of Holton, KS passed away October 4, 2011 at Kindred Hospital in Kansas City, MO after a long and courageous battle with Lupus. She was born August 13, 1968 in Topeka the daughter of James and Shirley (Howland) Parison.

Rita had attended Highland Park High School. She had lived in the Holton community for 13 years and previously in Topeka. Rita was a devoted and loving wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of the Christ Church in Holton.

Rita married Ken Waterman on June 9, 1990 in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include her mother, Shirley Parison of Holton; two daughters, Desiree Waterman and Catie Waterman both of the home; a sister, Francis Goodwin (Mike) of Holton; two brothers, James Parison, Jr. (Amber) of Topeka and Thomas Parison of Holton and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Parison on June 11, 2009, her aunt, Faye Howland and her uncle, Edward Howland.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Interment will be in the Netawaka Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Waterman Children's Educational Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.