Rita Mae (Wallace) Maupin, 86, of Paradise, Kansas, died on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS.
She was born on October 09, 1932 to Richard Theodore and Edria Mae (Gile) Wallace in Waldo, KS. Rita attended Waldo Public Schools. She had a love for the game of basketball and was the main rival of contention for the other teams. Her coach often said, pass Rita the ball, she can score! In 1950 she proudly graduated as a Waldo Warrior.Rita met Sam Maupin at a rural barn dance, fell in love and they were married on July 25th on 1950. This union was blessed with three sons, Marshall Thomas (Tom), Samuel Terry (Terry) and Timothy Douglas. In Rita’s early years she spent most of her time raising the 3 boys, milking in their dairy and setting a fine table for every meal. Rita was well known for her hospitality and could have a full table ready in a matter of minutes. She loved to serve guests and always had room at lunch for unexpected company. Rita had many hobbies she enjoyed. Her love of sports continued even after high school and she used her athletic ability to play competitive horseshoes and league bowling. In the mid-seventies her focus shifted to a full time housewife. Taking care of the family and others for meal times was her priority. She had a fixed hospitality schedule three times a day,morning coffee at 8, noon meal and a late afternoon snack. Rita insisted that the farm always shut down at noon for a full cooked meal, the only exceptions where harvest.
Rita didn’t leave the farm very often, but when she did, you could find her on a bus trip to the casinos. She sure had a knack for playing the slots that brought her winnings. In her later years the sporting activities ceased and serving her family was her number one focus. Up to the end her focus was on Sam and taking care of him. After he passed her only wish was to be with him. Her wish was granted soon after and they will be buried together on May 24th at Mount Hermon Cemetery. Survivors include her sister Donna (Don deceased) Wilson of Lucas and brother Steven and wife Jeanette Wallace of Victoria. Sons Tom Maupin and wife Deborah of Paradise KS, Terry Maupin and companion Mary of Paradise KS and Tim Maupin and wife Rita of Urbana IL,11 Grandchildren Quentin (Audrey) Maupin, Erin Maupin , Holly (Weston) Kraus, Heather (Tanner) Lyle, Barry (Nicole) Maupin, Tessa Maupin, Korte (Levi) Warren, Shane (Jordan) Maupin, Shannon Maupin, Monica Wahquahboshkuk and Benjamin (Jessica) Crane and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Norma Henderson and her husband Sam.
A joint memorial service will celebrate Rita & Sam’s life at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24th, 2019, at the Paradise United Methodist Church in Paradise, Kansas with Pastor Stacy Ellsworth officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Mount Hermon Cemetery near Paradise, Kansas. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.