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Rita Anne Lackey, 79, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Rita was born on August 23, 1947, in Allegany, New York, to Geddes and Betty Kujaneck. She graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1965 and married Norman later that year. After she graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, the couple answered a call to serve the Lord as missionaries in Ethiopia, East Africa, where they remained until 1977. They later continued their missionary work in Puerto Rico from 1979 to 1983.
Rita was a longtime member of La Luz Bible Church, where she taught Sunday School and her church family was a cherished part of her life. She knew how much the Lord had done for her, and she loved sharing the joy of knowing Him with others.
Art was a lifelong passion for Rita. She painted and drew, and she taught art classes to many students. She also loved music and spending time outdoors.
Rita dearly loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Norman Lackey; her children, Carissa (Pete) Pittman, Nathan Lackey, Jennifer (Alex) Burks, and Rachel (Justin) Burks; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her brother, Dan Kujaneck.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Geddes and Betty Kujaneck; her brother, Bryan Kujaneck; and her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Lujan Lackey.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at La Luz Bible Church in La Luz, New Mexico.
