Rita A. (Pfannenstiel) Bieker, 94, Hays, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Via Christi Village in Hays.
She was born November 22, 1925 in Hays, the daughter of Joe M. and Sophie (Rupp) Pfannenstiel. She grew up on a farm close to Hays and attended school in Hays. On September 20, 1948 she was united in marriage to Marvin J. Bieker, and they celebrated nearly 34 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on July 30, 1982. Rita was a homemaker and a terrific cook and seamstress. She assisted Marvin with many farm activities. After the death of her husband, she moved to Hays and worked at Bickle Fabrics and later Wal-Mart until she retired. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and so loved playing cards in which she was involved in many clubs. She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and the St. Nicholas Ladies Guild.
Survivors include two sons; Dale Bieker and wife Joyce of Sun City, AZ and Keith Bieker and wife Donna of Hays, two daughters; Brenda Stewart and husband Steve of Hays and Myra Taylor and husband John of Salina, seven grandchildren; Blake Bieker (Tricia), Brandy Hatheway (Mike), Kelsey Bieker, Shelby Stewart, Aaron Stewart, Austin Cart, and Connor Cart, three step-grandchildren; Audrea Marciano (Salv), Amy Stewart, and Tiffany Clark, six great grandchildren; Brady, Jake, and Savannah Bieker, Lauren Hatheway, Ashlyn Taylor, and Rylie Cart, six step- great grandchildren; Elijah, Asia, Quincy, Jewelysia, Francesco, and Giuliana, a sister-in-law; Rose Ann Bieker of Schoenchen, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers; Ignatius and Edward Pfannenstiel, seven sisters; Matilda “Tillie” Wittman, Sister M. Carmelyn, Philomena “Minnie” Lang, Mary Ann Schmeidler, Edna Jane and Albertine Pfannenstiel, and infant Jeanette, and a step grandson; Jonathan Taylor
Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Friday, July 10, 2020 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, Schoenchen. Family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences and memories of Rita may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com