Rita J. Kleypas

Rita J. Kleypas, 77, of Waco, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at her residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Msgr. Mark Deering as celebrant. Rita was born April 15, 1932, in Cyclone, to Charles and Olga (Matulik) Stepan. She was married Sept. 17, 1955, in Cyclone, to George Henry Kleypas. They moved to Waco in 1956. After raising her four children, Rita went to school and became a dental assistant. Later she became a data processor at Hillcrest Hospital before retiring in 1993. While at Hillcrest, Rita was honored as a Decade employee. Rita was a loving wife, mother and grandmother as well as an excellent seamstress. In her retirement, she enjoyed playing Bingo regularly with her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Hunter; and a brother, Sonny Stepan. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, George Kleypas; three sons, Terry Kleypas and wife, Sandy, of Axtell, Art Kleypas and wife, Cindy, of Crawford, and Jeff Kleypas and wife, DeeAnn, of Crawford; daughter, Tanya Long and husband, Bill, of Woodway; sister, Shirley Kleypas of Port Arthur; 10 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Pallbearers will be Jason Kleypas, Chase Sobala, Zak Kleypas, Zek Kleypas, Maddie Kleypas, and Molly Kleypas. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1401 Washington Ave., Waco, TX 76701. The online Guest Book is available at www.oakcrestwaco.com April 15, 1932 - October 20, 2009 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com