Dodge City - Rita Marie Allen, 82, passed December 3, 2021 in Dodge City. She was born on January 13, 1939 in Clay Center, the daughter of Roy and Gertrude (Smith) Knoettgen.

Rita's childhood was spent in Clay Center before the family moved to Sublette.  They lived at the Northern Natural Gas Plant south of Sublette.  Rita graduated from Sublette High School in 1957.  She was united in marriage to Max E. Allen on December 7, 1956 in Liberal.  He preceded her in death on March 18, 1995.

Rita worked for Farm Bureau in Sublette for a number of years.  She and Max moved to Dodge City in 1983.  Rita worked for Burke's Shoe Store and Fergerson's Furniture in Dodge before retiring.  She moved to Missouri for a brief time before returning to Dodge City.  Rita enjoyed reading, crafting, making flower arrangements, and watching QVC,

Rita is survived by her children, Curt Allen and wife Chris of Newton, Doug Allen and wife Diana of Kirkwood, Missouri, and Prudy Shultz and husband David of Dodge City; five grandchildren, Christopher Allen and wife Joanna of Kingwood, Texas, KyLeigh Wilson and husband Daniel of Ensign, Christina Griffin and husband Tristan of Cimarron, Charlena Steininger and husband Cody of Dodge City, and John Allen of New York City, New York; two step-grandchildren, Brent Shultz of Pueblo, Colorado and Brandon Shultz and wife Candice of Fate, Texas; nine great grandchildren; and five step-great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Max, an infant son, Michael; a grandson, Chad; three sisters, Patricia Wise, Connie Stapleton, and Mary Kay Carr; and a brother, Robert Knoettgen.

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM .  Burial will follow at Banner Cemetery, south of Sublette.  The family will gather at the Sublette Christian Church following the burial. A book signing will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM .  Memorials are suggested to the family or Breaking Bread Crew in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com .