Obituaries

Oreta “Rita” Lynn Adkins King, age 71, of Independence, Kentucky, formerly of Raceland, Kentucky, passed away on December 17, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky. Rita was born and raised in Raceland, Kentucky, and was a 1972 graduate of Raceland High School.

Rita worked for CSX and Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital during her career. After retiring, she enjoyed working at the Independence Shell Station, where she met many people who became dear friends. She loved University of Kentucky basketball, Cincinnati Reds baseball, and Cincinnati Bengals football.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Randy King; her mother, Betty Adkins Harper; her sisters, Regina Peffer and Esther Halleck; and her brothers, Al Halleck and Tony Halleck.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Dava (Aaron) Musick and Amy Martin; her grandchildren, Riley (Karissa) Musick, Abbie Musick, Tyler Musick, and Peyton Martin; and her great-granddaughter, Mabel Musick. She is also survived by her nephew, Travis Martin; her niece, Sam Harper; and her two loving cats, Lily and Louie.

A celebration of life will be held on January 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Atwood Hill Winery Farmstead House, located at 1616 Spillman Road, Morning View, Kentucky.