Rhea Jean Schartz, 62, passed away on January 12, 2022, at St. Catherine Hospital, Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 26, 1959, at Great Bend, Kansas, to Robert Eugene & Dora Jean (Smith) Applegate. Rhea married Kevin Schartz December 17, 1977, at Great Bend, Kansas.
A lifetime area resident, she worked for St. Joseph Catholic School as a cook for 18 years. Rhea enjoyed playing the lottery and casinos, specifically slots. She loved the school children, holidays especially the family time that came with them, and spoiling her grandkids.
Rhea is survived by her husband Kevin Schartz of the home; two sons, Aaron (Lindsey) Schartz of Great Bend, Seth (Krystal) Schartz of Ellinwood; three brothers: Robert “Lynn” (Noreen) Applegate of Topeka, Randy (Diane) Applegate of Hoisington, Ryan (Chawntae) Applegate of Hebron, Kent.; and three grandchildren, Avery, Payton, and Parker Schartz. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.