B. Dean Rupp

B. Dean Rupp

B. Dean Rupp, 85, of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, August 14, 2021 after a battle the last year with various health issues.

Dean was born to Wendelin and Helen (Rupp) Rupp in Hays on June 13, 1936.  He attended Hays Schools through age 12 when his mother married William Honas and the family moved to the Honas farm north of Ellis.  He graduated from Ellis High in 1955 and then pursued an education at Fort Hays State University.  Following this he served in the military for two years.

He married Kaye Fox, in White Plains, Kentucky in August 1960.  They were divorced.  In June l969, he married Betty Watts in Mankato, Minnesota.  He and his wife owned and operated Rupp Drapery and Wallcovering for 25 years, being the largest such store between Kansas City and Denver.  After retirement he pursued more education by auditing French, Spanish and German classes for about 12 years at FHSU.  Although he didn't like to fly, he and his wife traveled to Canada and all of the United States except the northeast region.

Dean had a love for helping others and served as a companion in the Compeer Program of High Plains Mental Health.  He was on the Selective Service Board and Developmental Service of Northwest Kansas Board for several years. He loved animals and birds and belonged to the Pigeon Club of this area, raising white utility pigeons which he shipped to all parts of the U.S. When someone said “pinochle”, he was always ready to play.

Dean loved being with his family and cherished the holidays spent with them. He often came up with what they called “weird jokes” and they still laughed or rolled their eyes. He often depended on God to help him through certain situations and was grateful for his faith.

He leaves behind his wife, Betty of 52 years, sons Troy (Peggy) of Ellis, Ty (Teresa) of Ellis, daughters Trish Rupp of Hays and Tonya Schuster (Bryan) of Topeka, and his beloved Rat Terrier, Pic.  He is also survived by three grandchildren and three great children all of Topeka, one brother Wayne (Norma) of Weeping Water, NE, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Hays Christian Church.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 7:30 on Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until 10:30 on Friday at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Hays Christian Church or the Community Assistant Center.  Condolences and memories of Dean may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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