Rita Ann Ziaja

Rita Ann Ziaja (nee Layendecker) passed away peacefully at her home in Hutto, Texas, on May 17, 2018, at the age of 91. Rita was born February 15, 1927, in Springfield, Illinois, to Frank and Catherine (Desch) Layendecker. She graduated valedictorian from Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield in 1945. After working for a short time at the bishop’s chancery, she began a long career, first at Illinois Bell in Springfield, and, after moving the family to St. Louis, Southwestern Bell. After retiring, she moved to Austin, Texas, with her husband Joe to be with her children and extended family.

Rita is survived by her sons Jim (Kathy), David, Tom, daughter and BFF Kathryn Ann “Kathy” (Charles Pati ñ o), six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister Doris Lewis (George) of Orlando, brother Ken Layendecker (Sharon) of Omaha, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Joe, who died in 2001 after 47 years of marriage, and brother Robert J. Layendecker (Rita) of Springfield.

Mom would also like to thank her caregivers Hanna, Chika, Veronica, Elva, Diana, Teresa, Kristin, Norma, Betsy, Kaisle, and nurses JoQuita, Yensi, Jennifer “Mo”, Lenell, who provided invaluable support and loving medical care.

Funeral arrangements by Providence Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas, where rosary will be said Thursday, May 24, 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Rita on Friday, May 25, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Taylor with interment following at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.