Rita Maxine Leger Chase, 61, of Sour Lake, formerly of China, died peacefully Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at her residence, surrounded by family and friends.
She was born on December 9, 1951, in Beaumont, to Tressie and Louis Leger. Rita graduated from Hardin-Jefferson High School in 1970. She worked for Hardin-Jefferson ISD as Food Service Manager for eighteen years. Rita was also employed at Children’s World Day Care for thirteen years.
She was a loving mother, Nana, and great-grandmother, and her family was the most important part of her life. Rita also enjoyed working in her yard and spending time in the sun.
She is survived by her son, Travis Chase and daughter-in-law, Phyllis, and their son, Tanner; her stepson, Donald Gene Chase, Jr. and his wife, Sheila, and their three children; Leslie Lewis and her husband, Chad; and Brett and Adam Chase; two great-grandchildren, Shay and Easton Lewis; brothers, Kenneth Leger and his wife, Nancy; Phillip Leger and his wife, Margaret; Anthony Leger and his wife, Paula; Byron Leger and his wife, Deanna; and Troy Leger; sisters, Pamela Denton and her husband, Kenneth and Elizabeth “Peaches” Jordan and her husband, Marvin; brother-in-law, Norman Chase; sister-in-law, Candace Chase Miller and her husband, Ben; twenty-one nieces and nephews; thirty-one great-nieces and nephews; and two great-great-nephews, whom she adored.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Tressie; her loving husband of twenty-five years, Donald Gene Chase, Sr.; her sister, Joyce Garrett; and her nephew, Randy Leger.
A gathering of Mrs. Chase’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 24, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 25, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 755 South 11th Street, Suite 212, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to friends and neighbors who lovingly looked after her during her illness, especially her caregiver, Phyllis Chase. She loved you all.
