Rita Baumbach

1930 - 2015

RITA ANN BAUMBACH
1930-2015
Rita Ann Baumbach, 84, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Nana, received her heavenly wings on January 25, 2015. Rita was born in Waterloo, Iowa on April 22, 1930 to Ross Reams and Veronica Emde Reams. Rita was married to Clement Leonard Baumbach for 45 years.
Rita spent the majority of her life in the Houston area. She retired from Southwestern Bell in 1983, having worked for them for almost 28 years. Rita and Clem were members of the Order of the Sons of Hermann, Edelweiss No. 4 Lodge. She served in several officer positions with the Sons of Herman. She loved to bowl and she was a World International Bowling Congress State Champion many times. This joy took her to Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Tucson and Reno, to name just a few. She was a lover of the Astros and had traveled to spring training as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame with Clem. They were season ticket holders for many years. She traveled to England, Copenhagen, Sweden and Norway for the 1994 Winter Olympics with her daughter, Diane Reul. She had the pleasure of cruising to Mexico as well as flying to Hawaii. She went to Lake Tahoe and Colorado several times. Rita was a huge Houston Texans fan and was a beloved member of the Lone Spot Tailgaters. She attended games well into her 70's and bought season tickets in the Bull Pen, the area of NRG Stadium where diehard fans stand the whole game. She chose these seats because she thought the rest of the stadium wasn't nearly as fun. She loved her travels and spending the hot days of late summer on the Comal River with her family and friends.
Rita was independent, continuing to drive to visit her family up until her last day. She attended all of her family's special events, birthdays, games and school competitions. She was ever ready with advice, support and help whenever it was needed. She set the bar high and we all aspire to be like her in her devotion to her loved ones.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gerald Richard Reams of Burlingame, California; and her husband. She leaves to carry on her legacy her four children: Kathrine Kirby Chandler and husband, John; David Bryon Kirby and wife, Denise; Gary Joseph Baumbach and wife, Sarah; and, Diane Baumbach Reul. In addition to her children, she has 12 grandchildren: John Henry Chandler, Jr.; Christopher Nicholas Kirby and wife, Hanna; Travis Lee Kirby and wife, Amy; Lauren Elizabeth Kirby; Lyndsey Michelle Baumbach Christopher and husband, Michael; Gary Joseph Baumbach, Jr.; Courtney Danielle Baumbach; Taylor Kristina Baumbach; Camron Jacob Baumbach; Rene Marie Reul, Sara Michelle Reul, and Rita Kay Reul. Her legacy will also live on through her five great-grandchildren: Ashley Jean Kirby, Emma Marie Kirby, Kennedy Baily Cauffman Kirby, Elizabeth Ann Kirby and Morgan Elaine Christopher.
A viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A private interment at the Houston National Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007 (www.unitedwayhouston.org)