Cypress, California - Rita Jayne Kyselka, age 88, of Cypress, California, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026.

Rita was born on April 15, 1938, to James L. and Ellen F. (Akers) Kyselka at their family home in Fife Lake, Michigan. She graduated from Fife Lake High School in May 1955.

In the late 1950s, Rita moved to California, where she studied ballroom dancing at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Long Beach. She later became a dance instructor there, sharing her love of dance with countless students.

Rita began her career at Douglas Aircraft in Huntington Beach. In 1971, she decided to pursue higher education at California State University, Long Beach. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology in 1975.

After completing her education, Rita returned to McDonnell Douglas while continuing to teach dance through adult education programs and local community colleges throughout Orange County, California.

Rita had a special love for animals. She rescued a kitten that became her beloved companion, affectionately naming her Cha Cha.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ellen Kyselka, and her sister, Frances E. Ely (Kyselka) and her brother-in-law Leo B. Ely.

She is survived by her sister, Deanna Ruth Borodayko and her husband, Alex; her nephew, Jerry Lee Ely and his wife, Tiffany, and their children, Sarah and Hunter; her niece, Tina Marie Copeland and her children, Ashley and Cheyanne; and her niece, Bobbie Jean Crider and her husband, David, and their children, Sheri and Shannon.

Interment will take place at Fife Lake Cemetery. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City.