Rita Jean Stout

Rita Jean Stout, also known as Gram to her grandkids, passed away at age 96 in Belton on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Rita Jean Stout

Rita was born in Tulsa, Okla., to Thomas Jay and Gertrude Margret (Keim) Essley on March 15, 1929. She had one sister and one brother.

She married Raymond McDonnell Stout II on February 18, 1950, in Tulsa. Ray and Rita relocated to Johnson County, Kan., in 1957 with three children, purchased a farm, and added an additional five children.

She relocated to Belton in 1997 and worked at Worlds of Fun for a few years. She was active in St. Sabina Church where she performed readings, was a Eucharistic minister, and attended Bible studies and was active in the Belton Senior Center.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, brother, two oldest children, and a grandson. She is survived by her sister, six children, six grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Services at St. Sabina Catholic Church in Belton on Thursday, Nov. 20. Rosary from 10-10:15 a.m., Viewing 10:15-11 a.m., and Mass at 11 a.m.