HAYS — Rita Mae VonFeldt, 93, longtime resident of Hays, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at Angel Arms in McPherson.
She was born Oct. 12, 1929 in Liebenthal, the daughter of John B. and Josephine (Dechant) Legleiter. On June 29, 1948 she was united in marriage to Robert F. VonFeldt, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 1991. She worked at Travenol for 13 years until its closing in 1985, and together with her husband owned and operated Centennial Restaurant. Her memberships included Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays, St. Joseph Catholic Church in McPherson, Daughters of Isabella Circle No. 254, and she served as secretary for St. John’s Auxiliary and the Sunflower Polka Club. Rita loved her family, was proud to be a great-great grandmother, and whether polka dancing with Robert, teaching her children to bowl, participating in family bowling tournaments, or camping and fishing, she was happy they were together. She enjoyed embroidery, taking care of her lawn, flower gardening, and had a devout faith, praying the rosary daily.
Survivors include her twin children: Darrel VonFeldt and wife JoAnn of Hays and Sheila Pfannenstiel and husband Joe of McPherson; a brother: Ron Legleiter and wife Susan of Hays; three sisters: Julie Randa of McPherson, Annie Daniels of El Dorado, and Mary Jane Brungardt of McPherson; four grandchildren: Klint VonFeldt and wife Jennifer, Kenda Leiker and husband Corey, Rachael Steenson and husband Brad, and Ryan Pfannenstiel and wife Megan; 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, and four brothers: Robert, Ralph, Richard, and Raymond Legleiter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. David Micheal officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday and from 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 6:30 p.m., all on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Kindred Hospice in McPherson or for masses. Condolences and memories of Rita may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
1906 Pine St.
Hays, KS 67601
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 29, 2023
