Rita Kay Hendryx, former longtime Alpine, TX resident, died Friday in an Osborne, Kansas nursing home following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was 71 years of age. Rita was born November 26, 1946 to Brice and Darliene Evans in Hutchinson, KS.

She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965. She married Ray Hendryx of Alpine while he was in the U.S. Navy in 1974. Following Ray’s tour of duty aboard USS Coral Sea, the couple and their infant son, Travis, relocated to Alpine in 1976. The family welcomed a second son, Otis, a few months after moving to Alpine.

Rita ran a day care center from the family’s home for several years, and began 15 years of service as a teacher aide in Alpine schools in 1995. Following her retirement in 2011, Rita and Ray remained in Alpine until 2015, when Ray sold KVLF and KALP radio stations. The couple moved to northern Kansas to be near family and long term medical care. She enjoyed traveling, family activities, widlife, fishing, dining with friends, and teaching youngsters. Rita was a faithful servant of the Lord, and shared her faith with others. She was preceded in death by her father, Brice Evans, her mother, Darliene Evans, her stepmother, Elsie Evans, and her sister, Sandy Evans.

She is survived by her husband, Ray, of Alpine and Kensington, KS, son Travis of Alpine, son Otis and his family, including daughter-in-law Kelly and grandchildren Brice, Cameron, Teaghan, and Jacob, all from Kensington. Also a nephew, Scott Evans, of Atlanta, GA. Also Forrest and Rebecca Hendryx of Alpine and neices Jennifer Parsons of Tyler, TX and Emily Hendryx of Edmond, OK. Also Houston and Maria Hendryx of San Angelo, TX, neice Lindsay Hendryx of Presidio, TX nephew Luke Hendryx of Marfa, TX and Brenda Criddle of Alpine.

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