LaRita May Cortsen

A happy and kind heart left our world to join family and loved ones in the world beyond. Aunt Rita quietly passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016 after 86 years on earth. Rita was the seventh child born to Andrew and Mary Adelia Rappleye Cortsen on October 22, 1929, in Kanosh, Utah. She lived and was raised in Kanosh, went to college in Ephraim, and later to Physical Therapy School at USC in California. She worked at the University of Utah Medical Center Rehabilitation Department for many years and served as the head of the department for a time, but she preferred working with patients rather than papers. Rita enjoyed traveling and often traveled with her cousin Doris and other special friends. They went on many travel adventures together, seeing much of this incredible world we live on and enjoying the sites, sounds and people of many different lands. She sponsored two children in different countries, one in Korea and one in the Phillippines to help them be able to have the funds they needed for life, health and education. She had the opportunity to visit each one of them. Rita was like the glue of the family, she kept tabs on everyone and knew what was going on with them. She often visited this relative or that on her vacations and was always aware of special events going on in the lives of her siblings and nieces and nephews. She also had great counsel and insight that she would share from time to time as she felt was needed. Rita has always had a generous heart and a kind spirit. If she saw someone in need she was quick to assist or provide whatever she could to help out. It was not uncommon for her to slip someone a folded up $20 bill. Rita loved dogs and usually had the companionship of a dog, she would often take her dog with her on errands of family visits or travels by car so the dog would not be home alone. One of the best things about Rita was her quick smile and bright and happy eyes. The moment she would see you, a huge smile would form and her eyes would light up. She was happy and shared her joy of life with all she came in contact with. La Rita will join her parents; siblings, Loyal, Wilson, Twila, Lillian, and Marie. Those surviving her include her brother Norman Cortsen; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was our Special Aunt. The family wishes to thank the wonderful neighbors La Rita had around her and their kind help and assistance they freely offered to her. We would also like to thank the volunteers from the Salt Lake County Legacy Corps Program, and the many care givers from All About Home Care that helped Rita be able to stay in her home as long as she was able. We wish to thank the staff of Alta Ridge in Holladay and Sandy as well as the Millcreek Home Health and Hospice for the kind care they provided to Rita when she was no longer able to be in her own home. We are appreciative of the loving care she was given. We as a family of Rita love and will miss her. She has had an impact on our lives, and we know she has touched many others in the course of her life. We have been blessed to be part of her family. Funeral services will begin with a viewing at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 S Redwood Road on Monday January 18, from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, the services will be held at the Rose Park 10th ward building located at 760 N 1200 W in Salt Lake City, with a viewing from 9:30-10:15 a.m. and the funeral at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service/dedication will take place in the Kanosh, Utah Cemetery around 3:00-3:30pm. A Place of Birth:Kanosh, UtahPlace of Death:Sandy, UtahHobbies:Traveling, music, singing, dogs, family & friends.Occupation:Physical Therapist for The University of Utah Medical Center Rehabilitation Department