Rita Ann Harrison Karlinsey

February 18, 1954 - May 26, 2026

Rita Ann Harrison Karlinsey was born on February 18, 1954, to Helen and Vern Harrison in Emblem, Wyoming. She grew up on the family farm, where she received an early education not only from her parents but also from the lessons of hard work and self-reliance that farm life provided.

From a young age, Rita developed a wide range of practical skills. She could drive a beet truck and ride a motorcycle, tend cattle, plant crops, and grow an abundant garden. She graduated from Greybull High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Rita became a teacher and, on October 30, 1976, married Kay Karlinsey in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a loving home and raised four very active children.

A woman of many talents, Rita excelled in countless creative pursuits. She was an exceptional cook, an accomplished crafter, and a stained-glass artist. She also created uniquely designed and colorful gourd birdhouses and enjoyed playing both the piano and the accordion.

One of Rita’s most treasured talents was cooking. Her mother was an excellent cook but was reluctant to share her recipes—even with Rita. Determined to learn, Rita carefully observed and memorized her mother’s techniques. Whenever her mother was away for a while, Rita would sneak into the kitchen and practice. Before her mother returned home, she would dispose of the evidence by tossing her culinary experiments into the ditch. Rita and her father faithfully kept the secret, and her mother never knew. Those early adventures marked the beginning of Rita’s remarkable culinary skills.

Rita passed away unexpectedly at her home in Petersburg, Texas, on May 26, 2026, with her husband, Kay, by her side.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years; her four children; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson; her sister; and a host of dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lovell. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service.

We will miss Rita deeply for now, but we take comfort in the promise: “We’ll meet again, dear friend.”