La Rita 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 here on earth.

Rita was the last child born to Andrew and Mary Adelia 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 in California. She worked at the University of Utah Medical Center Rehabilitation Department for many years. She served as the head of the department for awhile too, but, she preferred working with patients rather than papers, so went back to being a regular physical therapist.

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.

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. She sponsored two children in different countries in Asia to help them be able to have the funds they needed for life, health and education.

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 loved dogs and usually had the companionship of a dog, she would often take her dog with her 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, Lloyal, Wilson, Twila, Lillian, and Marie. Those surviving her include her brother Norman, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a great Aunt.

Funeral services will begin with a viewing at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 S Redwood Road on Monday January 18, from 6-8pm. 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 9:30-10:15am and the funeral at 10:30. A graveside service/dedication will take place in the Kanosh, Utah Cemetery around 3:00-3:30pm.