Rita Ann DeBoy

Rita Ann (Kremer) DeBoy, 92, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on November 5, 2026. She was born on February 18, 1934, in Lafayette to Martin Thomas and Kathrine (Becker) Kremer.

Rita attended St. Lawrence School and was a lifelong Catholic and devoted parishioner of St. Boniface Catholic Church. On March 19, 1955, she married Norman DeBoy at St. Boniface. Together, they built a life centered around faith and family. Norman preceded her in death on February 25, 2018.

Rita devoted many years to raising her children, caring for her home, and tending to the farm. After her children graduated from high school, she began working at Purdue University in Cary Quad, where she spent 17 years cooking for the football and men's basketball teams. Rita found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved traveling, soaking up the sunshine, gardening, and watching her roses bloom throughout the summer. She enjoyed sewing, playing Skip-Bo, listening to polka bands, and all things Disney. Though quiet and soft-spoken, she also had a wonderful talent for yodeling that often surprised those who knew her. Rita had a special way of showing her love through food. Family and friends were often welcomed by the smell of something delicious cooking. She will be remembered for her pickled beets, beef and noodles, rhubarb pie, peach cobbler, pumpkin cookies, and countless homemade treats. Above all, Rita cherished her family. She took great pride in her grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events and dance recitals, always making time to cheer them on, whether at home or away. She especially loved CC Football. Her greatest happiness came from family gatherings and being surrounded by those she loved.

Rita will be remembered for her unwavering faith, kind heart, warm smile, and gentle spirit. She was always happy, welcoming, and easy to love. The traditions she created, meals she shared, and memories made together will continue to be treasured by her family for generations.

She is survived by her son Michael (Margaret) DeBoy and their daughter Katherine (Tommaso) Sneider; daughter Brenda (James) Reifenrath and their children Mitchell Reifenrath, Hali (Jason) Aldridge, Jack Reifenrath; son Thomas DeBoy; son-in-law, Kevin Durflinger, and her four great grandchildren Elisa Sneider, Giorgio Sneider, Alessia Sneider, and Everett Aldridge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her parents; her eight siblings; and her daughter, Lisa Durflinger.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Creasy Springs and Guardian Angel Hospice for the loving care they provided to Rita.

A rosary service will be held at 4:00pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home in Lafayette. A visitation will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. also at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia Street, Lafayette, Indiana. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 318 N. 9th Street, Lafayette, Indiana. Father Dudzinski will be officiating. Burial will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church in memory of Rita DeBoy. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is honored to serve the DeBoy family at this time.