Rita Kay Fletcher, a respected leader in the Illinois parks and recreation profession and longtime champion of the Bartlett community, passed away on November 15, 2025, at the age of 64. Over a remarkable 39-year career, she rose from Recreation Supervisor to Executive Director of the Bartlett Park District, where her vision and steady leadership expanded programs, strengthened community partnerships, and created lasting opportunities for residents of all ages to connect through parks and recreation.

A past IPRA Board Chair and recipient of the IPRA Professional of the Year award, Rita was widely admired for her collaborative spirit, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to public service. Beyond her professional achievements, she was known for her warmth, humor, and deep devotion to family and friends, as well as her love of the outdoors, travel, and simple traditions that brought people together. Rita’s legacy lives on in the spaces she helped shape, the professionals she inspired, and the many lives enriched by her work.