Rita Fugarino

Rita Joyce Fugarino, age 77, met our heavenly father at her home on Sunday, May 12th. The Viewing-Memorial Service is Friday, May 17th, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Downing & Lahey Mortuary, 10515 W Maple St, Wichita, KS 67209. Rita was born in Norman, Oklahoma on September 2, 1946, to Melvin Ray and Erma Margaret (Cable) Middlebrook. Rita enjoyed her beloved dogs and sewing. She was always making baby blankets and other items and gifting them to many. Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Joseph Anthony Fugarino; parents, Melvin Ray and Erma Middlebrook; brother, Thomas Ray Middlebrook; and grandson, Mathew Garrett Fugarino. She is survived by her sister, Cheryl (Terry) Jech; daughters, Jeannette (Gary) Block and Jennifer Suchan of Wichita, stepsons, Christopher “Scott” Fugarino and Julie Eckhart and Joseph (Marci) Fugarino of Wichita, James (Sheila) Fugarino of Clearwater, KS; grandchildren, Braeden Holmes of Wichita, Bailey (Jake) Ayala of Coweta, OK, Brett Block and Makenzie Block of Wichita, Olivia (Tim) Comfort of Omaha, NE, Alexander Fugarino, Brennen (Aubrey) Fugarino and Bryson Fugarino of Wichita, Tyler Fugarino and Nathan Fugarino of Clearwater, KS, and four great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.