Rita Bryan

Rita Anne (Burleson) Bryan passed away peacefully Thursday, February 6, 2025 at her home in Springtown surrounded in love by her family. She was born December 7, 1935 to James Weldon Burleson and Etta Louise (Davis) Burleson in Crowell. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Frank Bryan; parents, James and Etta Burleson; brothers, James and Robert “Kim” Burleson.Rita graduated from Lubbock High School and then continued her education at Texas Tech where she earned a Bachelors degree in English and Spanish. She received her teaching certification and taught for many years in both public and private schools. On January 31, 1960 Rita married the love of her life Robert Frank Bryan. The two were married for 28 great years before Robert’s passing June 15, 1988.
Rita was a dedicated Christian who loved our Lord and Saviour. She was a member Watagua Baptist Church for many years where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She loved to spread the Gospel wherever she could. When her health declined Rita moved in with her daughter and attended Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Christian Church in Weatherford.
Rita loved learning. Her favourite subjects included archeology and history. Rita was also very interested in genealogy. She spent many hours tracing her family history. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Daughters of the Confederacy and Red Hat Society. Rita was very proud when her Great-granddaughter Haylee received the DAR award while in the 5th grade. Some of her other interest included music, playing guitar and piano, singing and painting. Some of her paintings hang in her daughters house to this day. She also collected antiques. She even ran her own small antique Store for a while.
Rita remained strong and courageous as her illness worsened over the last few years. She tried very hard to keep going as her mind and body became weaker. Her faith never wavered as she faced her challenges. Rita was placed on hospice care for the last few years. Heart to Heart Hospice provided kind and gentle care to her with love and respect. A special thank you to Rita’s care team, Jennifer,Tempest, Marnie and Brent who provided excellent care.
Rita now rests in the arms of of God where she is free from her tired body and mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we will see her again.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Shannon Diane (Bryan) Noah and husband William (Bill) Noah; son, Steven Robert Bryan; Cousin Todd Burleson; grandchildren, Kerri (Butts) Madden, Jeremy Butts and Steven Nathaniel Bryan and wife Kim; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Noah, Haylee, Jacob, Jeadon and Rebecca Janese (R.J.); bonus grandchildren, Mandi Craig and husband Jim, Johna Nixon and husband Cory, Jack Noah and wife Britain; great-grandchildren, Kolby, Jamie, Kelsi, Kortni, Jaxson, Piper, Oliver, Emma, Blake and Colby along with many extended family and friends.