Rita Irene (Staton) Luedecke

Rita Irene Luedecke, 74, of Del Valle, Texas, claimed the promise of her baptism on Monday, October 23, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Rita was born in Gonzales, Texas on December 18, 1948, to Stanford and Viola Staton.  Rita attended Gonzales High School where she was a proud Orange Jacket. She shared schoolgirl memories of being the first one to be picked for a spelling bee and last one for athletic competitions.

Rita met the love of her life, Lynn Luedecke in 1965 at a dance at Turner Hall. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on October 14. 1967 at St. James Catholic Church. They shared fifty-six years of devoted marriage together and enjoyed attending dances and live music shows with family and friends.

Rita and Lynn couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them.

Though Rita loved attending musical events and reading, her favorite role was that as a grandmother. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Nanny, never failing to keep their favorite foods on hand or make time to watch them whenever needed.

Rita was passionate about her many roles at the United States Postal Service. Working for the company for thirty-six years, she made lasting friendships that she cherished. She held the honor of Miss Zip promoting the use of zip codes in mailing addresses.

Rita was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church, devoting her time and energy to anything that was needed which included being on the church council, serving as treasurer, as well as writing and printing the bulletins for each service. Rita also served on the East Travis Gateway Library District as Board President and shared the importance of keeping libraries available to the public.

Rita will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and the way that she was always willing to help her family and friends. We couldn’t have asked for a better wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, and will miss Rita every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, second mother Fran, sister Ruby, brother Woody, and daughter Sheila and is survived by her husband Lynn, sons Dale and Daniel (Davina), her daughter Julie, brother Tim Staton (Misty), Joe Staton (Cindy), Mike Staton, Harry Staton (Lauren), her sisters Rose Jensen (Bo), Margie Cooley (Jim), Judy Cruse (Ervin), Carol Payne, Beth Thayne (J.D.), her grandchildren Mackenzie, Maxwell and Amelia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home 906 St Paul Street Gonzales, TX 78629 and the funeral service is Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10 am at Salem Lutheran Church 9322 FM 812 Austin, TX 78719. Pallbearers will be JD and John Thayne, Harry, Darrell, Jason, and JR Staton. The alternate pallbearer will be Mikey Staton. Honorary pallbearers are Linda, Nell, and Sudie.   

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church or your favorite charity. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.