Viola “Ollie” Frances Rupp, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, and a longtime resident of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 91, at Olathe Hospice House.
Ollie was born on November 22, 1934, on the family farm south of Ellis, Kansas, to Jacob and Magdalena (Pfannenstiel) Dinkel. She was one of six children. On October 3, 1953, she married the love of her life, Charles M. Rupp, in Russell, Kansas. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage before Charles preceded her in death on November 26, 2015. Their life together was filled with family, hard work, service to others, and many cherished memories.
Throughout her working years, Ollie held several positions in the Hays community. She began working at Harkness Drug Store and later worked at Hadley Hospital as a dietary supervisor, at Jefferson Elementary in the school lunch program, and at U-Save as a bakery supervisor. Ollie was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where she and Charles served for many years on the funeral dinner committee. In retirement, Ollie and Charles continued working together as custodians of Sunflower and Astra Banks.
Ollie was devoted to her family and took great pride in the generations that followed her. As a grandmother, she had a special way of making her grandchildren feel loved—with a hug, a snack, and the comfort of knowing Grandma was always there. Her home was a place where there was often something to eat and always a warm welcome. She also had a style all her own. Her hair was always done, and her signature red nails were rarely missing—a little touch of style that became unmistakably Ollie. She knew how she liked things, and she carried that sense of herself throughout her life.
Ollie is survived by her son, Vernon Rupp (Mellisa) of Kansas City, Missouri; her sister, Rosalean “Rose” Dechant of Kettering, Ohio; her brother, Jacob “Jake” Dinkel of Mesquite, Nevada; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles; her son, Bernard G. “Bernie” Rupp; her daughter, Deborah Ann Marie “Debbie” Rupp; and her siblings, James Dinkel, Cecilia Graf, and Mary Ann Tinder.
Ollie’s love of family, strength, and unmistakable sense of style will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Her life was woven into the lives of many, and the family, memories, and stories she leaves behind will keep her close for generations to come.
Graveside services will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 29, 2026 in St. Joseph Cemetery with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Spring Hill Care and Rehab or Olathe Hospice House in appreciation of the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Ollie and her family. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Ollie may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com