Agnes Benita Wasinger

Agnes Benita Wasinger, age 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at her home in Lawrence, Kansas. 

She was born on April 27, 1927, to Gabe and Josie (Wolf) Rupp in Hays.  She grew up living in their family home with her parents, one sister and seven brothers.  Her sister affectionately gave her the nickname – Nitzie because she couldn’t pronounce Agnes Benita.  Many of their family, aunts, uncles, and cousins also lived in the neighborhood.  There were huge family gatherings with lots of support and love given to all.  The families were active members of their Catholic faith as members of St. Joseph’s Church. 

On February 9, 1946, Nitzie married Meridith Wasinger.  They lived in Ellis where they raised their three children, Mary Jo, Tom, and Mike.  In 1983 she and Meridith built a home in Hays where family reunions and many spontaneous family gatherings were enjoyed by all. 

Nitzie became a realtor and began a career with Dean Ellner Realty that lasted many years.  Nitzie was an exceptional cook and loved spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Nitzie is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo, granddaughter, Elizabeth Heath of Lawence and grandson, Kevin Heath (Meagan), great grandchildren, Alexandra, Owen, Lily, and Brianna of Dublin, Ireland.  She is also survived by her brother, Tom (Mary Ann) and many loving sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to her cousins Imy Leard, Kansas City and Marilyn Rupp, Wichita for the many cards and prayers to Nitzie.

Nitzie was preceded in death by her husband, Meridith, and sons, Tom and Mike, her son-in-law, Don Heath, her parents, her sister, Mary Lou Campbell and brothers, Chuck, Don, Ernie, Dan, Bill, and Jim Rupp.  May they all rest in the Peace of Christ.

There will be a Celebration of Life Mass at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays.