Rita Ann Kanaly

Rita Ann Kanaly, 93 years old, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Rita was born to Margaret and Richard Grellner in Okarche, Oklahoma on December 19, 1923. She was one of five children raised in a small German community. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1941 and received her Bachelor Degree from St. Mary's College in 1945. After moving to Oklahoma City to work for the telephone company, she met Robert Kanaly and they married in 1947. Together they faced the challenge of raising five sons. Rita was determined they received a Catholic education and attended the Catholic Church; she was very involved in both. Travel with Robert and friends took her to every state and most all of the continents. Later in her life, she was active in "Share and Care" at Christ the King Catholic Church. She attended Mass every Sunday, always seated in front. Her "tennis group,"(which had long before quit playing, but still got together monthly,) remembers her energy and love of entertaining. Rita was the ultimate hostess and loved cooking for her family and friends. You were always happy to receive an invitation to her table. "Grandma Rita's" greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She made Christmas Eve in her home the most magical time for all those who "believed." Her husband, Robert and her son, Kevin, preceded Rita in death. Her son, Richard and wife, Pam, son Paul and wife, Beverly, son Don and wife, Karen, and son, John, survive her. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Rita has two surviving sisters: Alice Grellner of Providence, RI and Eloise Lenahan of Overland Park, Kansas. Family members will be present to greet friends 4-6pm, Friday, January 20 at Smith and Kernke. A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00am, Saturday, January 21 at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Christ the King Church, 8005 Dorset Drive, OKC 73120.