Nita Kay Wright

Nita Kay Wright, 87, of Christopher, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Carnesville, Georgia, where she had been living with her daughter Laurie and son-in-law Charles Carter.

Nita was born on November 19, 1938, on a small farm approximately three and a half miles west of Christopher, Illinois, to Isaac Drysdale and Tishie Callie Pernie (Newberry) Drysdale. She was the twelfth of thirteen children, growing up with eight brothers and four sisters.

She graduated from Christopher Community High School in May 1956. After graduation, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked as a secretary at Stanley Industrial Tool Company. Eight months later, she accepted a position in the laboratory office at Barnes Hospital, becoming chief secretary in 1957. An exceptionally skilled typist, she could type 100 words per minute. Her love of learning continued when she returned to school to study computer programming using punch cards. The work required keeping hundreds of cards in precise order, a challenge she mastered with 100 percent accuracy.

On June 7, 1958, Nita married Heber Wright in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1960, they were sealed for time and all eternity. Together they raised six children. Throughout her life, Nita made her home in Missouri, Idaho, Utah, Illinois, and Georgia. Heber passed away on October 16, 2000.

Above all, Nita loved Heavenly Father and her Savior, Jesus Christ. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she found joy in her faith and in serving others, including as a Primary chorister. She wrote the song “Chosen” Child of Mine which she dedicated to her children.

Nita had a generous heart and a gift for making others feel loved. Whether caring for her family, sharing a home-cooked meal, offering a helping hand, or quietly meeting someone’s needs, she gave freely of her time and talents. She loved decorating her home, celebrating Christmas, and creating family traditions. Among her greatest joys was teaching her children and watching them grow into responsible adults.

Her life was filled with joy and happiness, as well as trials and challenges that she met with faith and gratitude. In her own words:

“I have been so blessed on this, the Lord’s beautiful earth—I know this with all my heart. It is reinforced to my spirit that life is so vital for each one of us and for life I am truly grateful for meeting it face to face and head on, to the best of my ability with our Heavenly Father’s assistance continuously. I am eternally grateful for what I have learned.”

Nita is survived by her six children and their spouses: Tamara (Robert) of Arizona; Jeffrey (Erin) of Missouri; Edward (Shelly) of Colorado; Eric (Karen) of Missouri; Laurie (Charles) of Georgia; and Kristi (Chris) of Missouri; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; her brother, Marion Drysdale; and her sister, Myrna Hamilton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Heber Wright; her parents, Isaac Drysdale and Tishie Callie Pernie Drysdale; ten brothers and sisters; and her granddaughter, Hailey Wright.

Services will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Charles, Missouri. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m.