Rita Gaffney

Rita Josephine Gaffney, 85, of Kansas City, MO, died at St. Luke's East Hospital, Lee's Summit, MO, early Wednesday January 11th after a short illness. She was born March 14, 1926 in Quincy, Illinois, daughter of Leonard and Veronica (Godsil) Gaffney and was a long time resident of Galesburg. She was awarded a BA in Art in 1970 by Western Illinois University and taught in private and public schools in several states. As an artist she worked in many mediums, but primarily focused on portrait dolls. Briefly married in the 1960's, she is survived by a son Edward "Mike" (Lilli) Chancey, of Kansas City, MO, a daughter, Ann Marie Chancey of Ft. Worth, TX, a brother Michael (Sharon) Gaffney of Dubuque, IA and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Patricia Schmidt. A memorial service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg at 9:45 AM Saturday, January 21, 2012. Inurnment will be at St. Irenaeus Cemetery in Clinton, IA with Military Honors.