Rita Kilborn's Obituary
KILBORN, RITA BEGOLE Rita was born February 17, 1928, in Syracuse, New York, and passed away April 25, 2013, in Dallas Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Margaret Person BeGole, her sister, Margaret BeGole Wilson, and her husband, Allen Stetson Kilborn. Rita grew up in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa, and attended Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. In 1949, she married Allen S. Kilborn; they lived in Des Moines, Omaha, South River (New Jersey), and Richardson. They were active in Saint Barnabas Presbyterian Church, starting in 1960, and taught Sunday school and served in other capacities. She was employed as an Administrative Assistant for a manufacturers representative until her retirement. Rita and Allen enjoyed both traveling and ballroom dancing, especially Retired Officer’s Association dances. As an accomplished artist, she excelled in china painting, water color, and oils. In later years, she was active with the YMCA Primetimers group, the Osteoporosis Society, and the Richardson Adult Learning Center, through which she helped numerous women from countries including Pakistan, Japan, Jordan, Spain, and Mexico, improve their English and reading skills. Through the Richardson and Plano Senior Centers, she enjoyed bridge, ping pong, and singing with the choral group, performing at retirement centers and nursing homes. Rita’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her life, many of whom lived in the Metroplex. A few years ago, she adopted a rescue dog, her beloved Molly, and has delighted in the joys of their deep bond. Rita is survived by her children, Lynne Kilborn Smith, Allen S. Kilborn, Jr., and Jeannie Kilborn Stone; grandchildren Michael Smith, Meagan Kilborn, Emily Nguyen, and Lauren Chase; and great-grandchildren Katie and Logan Smith, Rachele and Brooke Biltoft and Erin Nguyen, and Renee and Matthew Hamlett. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 29, 2013, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.theanimalrescuesite.com (The Animal Rescue Site) or Saint Barnabas Presbyterian Church in Richardson.
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