Rita Kay Loraine

Rita Kay Loraine, the daughter of Kyle and Lois (Edom) Jester, was born on November 30, 1936, in Quincy, IL, and spent her childhood in Bradley, IL. She graduated from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School in 1954 and continued her education at Southwest Community College in Creston, IA, and later at Drake University.

On April 26, 1957, Rita married the love of her life, Rev. William T. Loraine, at the United Methodist Church in Bradley, IL. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others. Rita raised 4 children to value ecology, art and music and encouraged them to follow their passions without limitation.

Throughout her life, Rita was deeply committed to serving her community. Rita volunteered with the Fine Arts Boosters for Adel DeSoto High School for many years to support and promote Music and Visual Arts education. She was also an active member of many United Methodist Church and civic organizations in both Iowa and Florida. Upon retirement to Florida Rita continued a long history of involvement and leadership with the Democratic party and was active in many Democratic clubs. She served as the Democratic Campaign Chair for Lake County and served as Second Vice President of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida. Rita was awarded a lifetime member of the NAACP and had a keen interest in voting rights and women’s right to choose.

She worked at Drake University and for the United Methodist Church in Adel.

Upon her return to Iowa, Rita relished spending time with family, was an avid reader, and enjoyed listening to jazz and keeping an eye on politics and current events.

Rita died Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 86 years old.

She is survived by her children, Ray and his wife Kim Loraine, May and her husband Mark DeHaan, and Guy Loraine; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; and her brother, Dean and his wife Carlene Jester

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her eldest son Thomas.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Public Television, 6450 Corporate Dr, PO Box 6450, Johnston, IA 50131.