Rita M. Weigel, 86, Hays, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at her home. She was born April 17, 1931 in Hays the daughter of John J. and Margaret (Schoenberger) Lang.

A 1949 graduate of Hays High School, she was united in marriage to Everett A. Weigel on September 12, 1951 in Hays. He preceded her in death on September 22, 1994.

She worked for over 25 years at Montgomery Wards and upon their closing, she worked for another 12 years at the Senior Center in Hays. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was always willing to share her time and talent with the church. She was also a long time member of the Hays VFW Post #9076 Ladies Auxiliary, and was a twenty year volunteer at Hays Medical Center. Her hobbies included bowling, playing cards and card games, bird watching, collecting bird sculptures and bird houses, and she was a passionate reader. Above all, she was a proud mother and grandmother who always put her family first.

Survivors include one son; Robert J. "Bob" Weigel and wife Judy of Hays, two grandchildren; Justin J. Weigel of Kansas City, and Trina Proberts and husband Kevin of Hays, two great-grandchildren; Toby and JoLeigh Proberts, two sisters; Joann Brown of Hays and Lorrie Uttecht of California, a brother; Frank Lang and wife Micki of Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six sisters; Katie, Paulina, Marie, Anna, Marcella, and Mary Alice, and four brothers; Ray, Johnnie, Eugene, and Julius.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th Street, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church with recitation of the rosary at 10:00 am.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.

Hays Daily News, 12/21/2017