Rita Joyce Cain Richey

     1938 - 2015

     Rita Joyce Richey, 77, our beloved mother and Gagi, passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 4, 2015.

     Rita was born on January 30, 1938 to Richard and Eula Grace Cain at their home in Myra, TX.

     In high school, Rita was a well-loved, accomplished student and athlete. Her activities included baton twirling, band and basketball where she was an all-district player. Not only was she voted Class Favorite, Football Sweetheart, Class Secretary and Hornet Beauty (along with her future husband, the Handsome Hornet), she graduated as the class valedictorian.

     Following a year in nursing school, Rita began her 55-year career as a cattle auction ticket writer, working side by side with her husband and soul mate, Wendell Ray Richey. Rita and Wendell were married at the First Baptist Church of Muenster on February 4, 1956, where she played piano for over 30 years.

     An avid sports fan, Rita loved watching and talking about her kids' and grandkids' sporting events. Over the past couple years, when not spending time with her family or watching a game, she worked as the receptionist at Dynamite Daycare, where she was loved by all the staff, students and parents. In 1998, the community presented her with the Kaycee's Good Neighbor Award.

     She is survived by her siblings, LaQueta and Johnny Fisher, Judy and Gene Hartman, Sandra and Fred Fortson, Deborah and Biff White, and Chris and Jan Cain; as well as her children, Craig and Ann Richey of Austin, Robynn and Nick Walterscheid of Muenster, Todd and Michelle Richey of Corinth, Stephanie and Garry Felderhoff of Gainesville, and Melanie and Mark Hesse of Muenster.

     Gagi is also survived by her grandchildren, DeeDee and Glen Dangelmayr, Brent Falcone, Tiffany and Jared Crouch, Alisha and Mickey Gazzola, Mandy Felderhoff and Matt Martinez, Whitney and Logan Zastrow, Colby Richey, Laci and Jaci Felderhoff, Mitchell Hesse, Jake and Dana Felderhoff, Sara Richey, Megan and Brandon Sloan, Morgan Hesse, Madison Hesse, Cassie Richey, Ryan Richey and Mikayla Hesse; as well as her great-grandchildren, Cole and Clay Dangelmayr, Garrett Sloan, Michael Gazzola and Kellen Crouch.

     Rita is preceded in death by her husband Wendell Ray Richey (December 16, 2013), daughter Kimberly Richey, parents Richard and Eula (Mimi) Cain, and brother Richard (Dickie) Cain.

     A visitation will take place on Friday, February 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Muenster. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7 at 10 a.m., also at the FBC.