Rita Edwards

August 4, 1928 - June 15, 2026

On Monday, June 15, 2026, Rita Edwards a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Rita, affectionately known as "MawMaw," was born on August 4, 1928, to Roy and Lehman Dixon. She attended Abilene High School and, on August 9, 1947, married the love of her life, Ellison Edwards. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family. In the mid-1960s, with Rita's encouragement, they founded Ellison Edwards Signs, a successful sign painting business. Together, Rita and Ellison made a remarkable team; Rita painting the backgrounds for the signs while Ellison added his distinctive hand-painted lettering.

Rita had a vibrant spirit and a deep love for travel and adventure. In the late 1960s, she and Ellison discovered a passion for square dancing, traveling throughout Texas and even to Canada to participate in dances and events. She especially enjoyed visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Fun Valley in South Fork, Colorado, where summers spent with family became treasured traditions. One of her favorite memories was a special Thanksgiving trip to Nashville, to visit the Opryland Hotel beautifully decorated for its annual Christmas lighting celebration.

Family was the center of Rita's world. She faithfully attended graduations, recitals, parties, sporting events, and every milestone she could, making each grandchild and great-grandchild feel deeply loved and celebrated.

An exceptional cook, Rita began preparing family meals at just eight years old while her parents worked. Her famous "Superdogs" and homemade macaroni and cheese became beloved family favorites. And in true Rita fashion, no meal was ever complete without dessert. She believed presentation mattered just as much as taste, often serving treats in parfait glasses, layered dishes, and beautifully arranged serving pieces that made every gathering feel special.

Her impeccable style and flair for fashion was evident in everything she did, from her perfectly coordinated jewelry to the warmth and beauty she created in her home. She was never seen without her nails done.

She loved to laugh, joke, and make memories with her grandchildren, never believing anything was too silly. She would happily squeeze into the backseat beside them on family road trips, including one unforgettable adventure to Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry, and Graceland. She was especially fond of country music, with George Strait among her favorite performers.

A gifted and lifelong crafter, Rita found joy in creating. She loved painting, ceramics, Plaster of Paris, woodworking, wreath-making, and countless other creative pursuits. Her hands were rarely still, and her creations brought beauty and happiness to those around her.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ellison Edwards; her infant son, Joe Edwards; her parents, Roy and Lehman Dixon; her brother, J.T. Dixon; and her former daughter-in-law, Cathy McCleary.

She is survived by her daughter, Lee Ann Edwards; her son, Dale Edwards and wife Rosemary; grandchildren Melissa Powell and husband Jim of Benbrook, Texas; Michael Harding and wife Amanda of Fort Worth, Texas; Anna-Kate Mathis and husband Travis of Abilene, Texas; Kelli Esposito and husband Zac of Arlington, Texas; Jordan Graves and husband Chris of Burleson, Texas; Scott Weldon and wife Robbi of Abilene, Texas; and Justin Weldon and wife Erin of Abilene, Texas.

She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren: Jacob Hovey and fiancée, Kinnia Black; Josie Hovey; Layla, Jude, and Crosby Mathis; Heidi Weldon; Rocco and Austin Esposito; Ty and Logan Graves; Isaac, Brooke, and Ella Harding; and bonus granddaughter, Molly McCleary.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Hendrick Hospice Care, especially Heather Vann, R.N., Krissy Johnson, C.N.A., and Chaplain Ken Lyle for the compassionate care, kindness, and comfort they provided. They also wish to thank granddaughter Anna-Kate Mathis for her unwavering love, devoted attention, and exceptional care during Rita's final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas 79606.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US Highway 277 S, Abilene, TX 79606.

Though Rita will be deeply missed, the love, laughter, traditions, and memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her for generations to come.