Rita Alcala

Ms. Rita Rosario Holguin Alcala departed from her physical presence on this earth on October 12, 2022, to meet Jesus Christ her Savior. She was predeceased by parents, Zoilo V. Alcala and Herlinda (Lena) H. Alcala. Rita was born at Overall Memorial Hospital in Coleman on November 7, 1952. She was preceded in death by her oldest sister, Gilda (Joseph) Thompson, and their youngest sister, Elizabeth ("Lisa") Alcala Jackson. She is survived by her sisters, Lois (Pete) Garcia, Guadalupe Alcala, and Debbie (Eddie) Villarreal, and brother, Jimmy Alcala. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Rita Alcala lived most of her life in Coleman and attended local schools. She dreamed of becoming a Coleman High School Bluecat cheerleader. Rita experienced her dream as a high school junior. She was later elected and crowned CHS Homecoming Queen in 1970.

Ms. Alcala was a lifelong parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She volunteered there as Christian teacher for several years. She was a devout Christian, unwavering in her Catholic faith, and unyielding in her prayer life.

Ms. Alcala graduated from Coleman High School in May 1971. She moved to San Angelo and attended Angelo State University. She worked at Texas Commerce Bank in San Angelo. Rita joined the U.S. Navy, served for five years, and earned the rank of Third-Class Petty Officer. She served stateside, and was also stationed in Wales and Naples, Italy. Rita was honorably discharged on April 8, 1990. She resumed her bank service career in Fort Worth after military service. She returned to live in Coleman and began work at Coleman State County Bank in 1991. Rita retired in December 2016.

Rita cherished and much valued her family. She enjoyed spending time and making memories with her immediate family and relatives. Rita had vivid memories and dated recollection of their immediate and extended families past special occasions such as births, baptisms, birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, vacations, and visits. She dearly loved and was very supportive of her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed dining, movies and traveling. She routinely traveled with sisters, including extended trips to Sedona, Arizona, Destin, Florida. New York City and enjoyed a Cayman Islands cruise with them. She routinely gathered with sisters and cousins for weekend getaways. She loved and devotedly cared for her cats - Chiquita and Fluffy.

Rita moved to Austin to live with Lois Garcia and Guadalupe Alcala, her sisters and caregivers, when she was diagnosed with cancer in January 2021.

Rita Alcala's family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all who prayed for their sister and for all that expressed their condolences. They especially appreciate all St. David's Brookdale hospice staff that assisted and cared for their sister. They genuinely commend Craig Moore and Shannon Hunter, case managers; Courtney Piri, social worker; Holly Swift, chaplain; Clarissa Gracyson and Armistiad Grandspaff, music therapists; and Jessica Almendarez and Gloria Leon, care aides. The family thanks Father Ray Pothiready for his blessings and prayers.

Recital of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Tx. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 303 East College Avenue, Coleman, Tx. Interment will follow at Coleman City Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include Angelo Alcala, Jimmy Alcala, Zachary Alcala, Joey DeLa Rosa, Paul Julian DeLa Rosa, and Jimmy Nunez.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rudy DeLa Rosa, Pete Garcia, Aron Jackson, Jason Thompson, Joseph Thompson, and Eddie Villarreal.