THE funeral of a pensioner who was shot dead at a Walton care home has taken place.

Rita King, 81, was killed at Delamer House care home, in Naze Park Road on December 28.

Husband Ronald, 86, of Cedar Close, Walton, has been charged with her murder.

A handful of mourners attended this morning's funeral at Weeley Crematorium.

A cross made of pink and white flowers was laid on top of the coffin.

Fly Me to the Moon, by Frank Sanatra, was played at the end of the 15-minute service.

Ronald King was not present at the funeral. It is understood he was allowed to pay his respects earlier at the chapel of rest.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • The hearse arrives at Weeley Crematorium

Mrs Curtis, who has run the home for ten years, said: "It's been a really, really tragic ending to what was a very, very happy marriage.

"They would have been married 50 years this year."

She said the family was still in shock.

"I never ever thought in a million years I would end up with one of our residents dying in this way," said Mrs Curtis. "It has been so sad."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Mrs King's coffin is carried into the crematorium

Mrs King had been living at Delamer House for nine months before the tragedy and suffered from dementia.

Her husband was spending Christmas there with her when she died.

Fly Me to the Moon was one of the couple's favourite songs.

Mrs Curtis said: "They used to go dancing together and bowling together.

"They had this wonderful life together. They didn't have any children so their whole life was devoted to each other."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • The floral tribute to Rita King

One member of staff at the care home is still off work, suffering from shock.

"They have all behaved in an extremely professional manner," added Mrs Curtis.

"We were very fortunate that none of the other residents saw or heard anything.