Rita Kay Gingrey

Rita Kay Gingrey, 75, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2020 in Frisco, Texas. Rita was born on December 11, 1944 to the late Rex and Nelle Pauley and was raised in Tower Hill, Illinois. She was married to her sweetheart, friend, companion and caring husband, Larry Gingrey, for 56 years. Rita is survived by her loving son, Brad (Kellie) Gingrey, and beloved grandson and granddaughter, Eric and Dana (both age 15), of Plano, Texas.

Rita and Larry lived in Pana, Illinois until they moved to Frisco, Texas in 2010. While raising Brad in Pana, Rita was a licensed beautician and owned beauty salons. Later, Rita worked for the U.S. Postal Service and delivered mail on the rural route which was always interesting and challenging in the winter months. Rita became the Postmaster of Macon, Illinois until she retired and moved to Texas. Rita had an infectious laugh and a quiet, caring and kind strength about her. She loved to garden flowers and vegetables and made the best homemade caramels with her double butter recipe, sugar cookies, pumpkin blossoms and chicken and noodles. Rita and Larry loved riding motorcycles with the Effingham, Illinois HOG Chapter, Harley Davidson Owner Group, for many years.

Rita enjoyed road trips with Larry and seeing nature and history along the way and reading a map for navigation. She was fond of going to auction sales. Rita is preceded in death by her late brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Joyce Pauley of Pana, Illinois. Rita is survived by her brother, Roger (Joyce Ann) Pauley, of Tower Hill, Illinois and a nephew and nieces: Loren Pauley, Lee Anne Pauley, Sheri Trexler of Pana, Illinois and Sandy Calvert of Hillsboro, Illinois. We are heartbroken that the Dementia disease took its toll on her mind and body and away from us too soon but we have grateful hearts for her presence in our lives. Beautiful on the inside and out, Rita was adored by her family, friends and anyone who had the opportunity to meet her.

A memorial service is planned for a later date in Pana, Illinois. Spread your wings and prepare to fly, your wings are ready, for you have become a butterfly.