On June 19, 2024, the best mother, sister, relative and friend ever, passed away at the age of 90 to live with God for eternity in heaven.
Anita was born on August 6, 1933, in Hays, KS, and was fourth of ten children born to Mary and Ig Rupp. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School in Hays and attended a business program in Denver, CO, where she met Walter, her husband of 70 years.
Anita enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always looking forward to her next adventure. She loved the mountains, playing cards with family (Pay Me & Oh Heck in particular – which she almost always won!), and traveling domestically and internationally. She also truly loved her cats, Sam, Leo, and Frankie, and they are missing her.
Anita’s generous heart and compassion was endless. She was involved in all types of service for others and was even known among friends as a “professional mourner,” going to funerals where there would be few family or friends.
She was a long-time member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, a two-time president of the Council for Catholic Women where she attended national and international conventions and was known to dress as the Energizer bunny at these and other meetings. She was a member of St. Robert’s Circle, was a Holy Roller bowler, and introduced funnel cakes at the annual church fall festival which her family made for over 40 years. Additionally, along with a group of dear friends were known as Msg. Patrick Caverly’s “Caverly’s Caterers” and Fr. Paul Henry’s “Henry’s Helpers,” who cooked dinners for events in the church social hall.
Over the years, Anita served on the board and fundraised for the Greater Reading or Writing Skills (GROWS) Literary Council, supported the Hope CommUnity Center, the BETA Center, Morning Star School, and helped countless local Catholic organizations. Anita was instrumental in early Rh factor research due to the loss of two infants. This truly does not encompass all of Anita’s wonderful attributes and achievements.
Anita is dearly missed by all of her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Walter, daughter MarySue, sons Greg, Matt (Donna), Damon (Stefanie) and three granddaughters, Sarah, Katelyn, and Stephanie (Michael). She is also survived by a sister, Sr. Marilyn Rupp, an Adorer of the Blood of Christ, brothers John Rupp, and Tim Rupp (Terri), as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by infants, Ann, and Gregory Wade.