Rilla Spiller Wright

Rilla Dorcas Spiller Wright passed away peacefully in VITAS Inpatient Hospice in Carrollton, Texas after a brief illness. She was surrounded by loving family as she went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 14, 2023. 

Rilla was born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 18, 1926. She grew up on the family ranch halfway between Junction and Menard, Texas. She rode a horse by herself to a one room school during her first four years until the rural schools incorporated which included a school bus to town, where she knew no one. In her senior year she and her best friend, Katherine Massey became the first two drum majorettes, twirling batons and all, for the Junction High School marching band. She was also voted the JHS Football Sweetheart of 1942. Rilla graduated in 1943 from JHS and went on to attend TSCW, in Denton, Texas, and continued her education at TCU, in Fort Worth, Texas. She met her husband, Charlie Wright there and they married in April of 1946.

After beginning to build their family they ended up moving to Highland Park, Texas, University Park, Texas and finally settling in Plano, Texas, where they lived the rest of their lives. Once settled they became charter members and later active elders of Grace Presbyterian Church in Plano. 

Rilla was dedicated to her family first. She was actively involved in school activities such as sports and band. Away from school she was a full time taxi service for her children’s’ outside interests such as music and dance lessons, girl scouts and boy scouts. She made herself available to whatever needs came up. She also had interests such as a passion for music, especially crooners and music of the 1940’s, football and dance, going to the State Fair Music Hall with family and friends and anything involving her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had lifelong friends from childhood, college and new friends. Rilla was polite to everyone she encountered, She was fun and funny. She was always a good neighbor. Her interest in everyone’s life made them feel like they were the only person in the room. With her bright smile, beautiful spirit and concern for all, she could light up the room and everyone would be happy she was there. She shared her joy with anyone in her path. She was strong and not afraid of hard work. Rilla was empathic, compassionate and supportive.

During her last week of life her niece, Shelly Spiller said, “Rilla may look 5 feet tall, but she’s not, she’s 6’4” and ready for anything.”  She loved and was loved. She is and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Rilla was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Mears Spiller, her father, R R “Roy” Spiller, her husband of 40 years, Charles Wright, Jr, an infant son, Robert Mears Wright, daughter, Dorcas Wright Sulek, her mother-in-law, Thelma Wright Umbenhour, brother-in-law, Montrose Madison Wolf, sister-in-law, Barbara Lee Spiller. 

Rilla is survived by her son, Charles Wright, III and his wife Patty Fair Wright of Gunter, TX; daughter, Kimberly Wright Burandt of Fishersville, VA; grandson Jeffrey Charles Burandt and his wife,  Shelley Reyne Ruchti, and great-granddaughter, Vesper June Burandt, all of Brooklyn NY; grandson, Joseph Wright Sulek of Austin, TX;  granddaughter, Caroline Sulek and her husband Alex Kennedy, and great-grandson, Henry William Sulek, all of Little Elm,TX; sister Nancy Spiller Smith and her husband, B.R.”Randy” Smith, of Gatesville, TX; sister Sandra Spiller Wolf, of Lawrence, KS; brother Rob Roy Spiller of Junction, TX; her very special cousin Jo Bess Jackson of Dallas, TX; and her exceptional nieces and nephews, their spouses, great-nieces and great-nephews. All greatly loved. 

Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Spiller Ranch Cemetery in Junction.

Visitation will be held 5-7:00 PM, Friday, January 27, 2023 at Kimble Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made and in memory of Rilla Wright to:  Agape Resource and Assistance Center, PO Box 861664, Plano, TX 75086-1662  (Please leave your name and address with any donations).  Agape helps women, moms and their children facing situational homelessness. Over 85% of Agape women are victims of abuse and violence, some from human trafficking.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076