Rita Kottke

Rita Rae Kottke of Guthrie, OK passed away October 16th, 2018. Rita was born February 1st, 1958 in Oklahoma City, OK to William Eugene and Delores Jean Kottke. Rita worked for the Dept. of Environmental Quality since 1993 in the Land protection Division, specifically the Brownfield Division. Rita graduated from Guymon High School in Guymon, OK and continued her education at Oklahoma State University graduating with her Bachelors’’ and Masters’ degrees in Consumer Resources and her Doctorate Degree in Environmental Science.  

Rita was a tireless advocate for the environment. As the Superfund Emergency Contact for the Dept. of Environmental Quality, She was instrumental in many major Removal Actions. She created the States’ Household Mercury Recycling Program and was instrumental in the development of the Oklahoma Brownsfield program designed to allow for the reuse of property that is remediated. She received many awards for her work including the Outstanding Environmental Science Alumni for Okla. State University in 2004. She loved to cook and bake and was known for her legendary fudge. She was always there for her friends even though she was very private about herself.

Rita was very artistic and loved to draw and paint. She enjoyed snow skiing and traveling with her friends. She was compassionate to animals and had several cats and dogs which became her kids. She earned black belt in Kung Fu just to stay in shape.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents. Rita is survived by 2 brother: Ken and Cheryl Kottke of Guymon, OK and Lin and Diane Kottke of Canyon, TX. 2 nieces: Krista Young and Andrew of Canyon, TX and Carli Kottke of Oklahoma City, OK. 2 nephews: Ashton Keisling of Watonga, OK and Matthew Kottke of Yuma, AZ.

Rita fought a very hard fight with Cancer and is still fighting by donating her body to OU Medicine, so that someday no will ever have to fight this fight.

A memorial service for Rita Kottke will be held 2:00 PM Friday, November 2nd , 2018 at Midwest City Community Nazarene Church Located at 10200 South East 15th Street Midwest City, OK.  

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