Rita Wilson Day, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at her residence in Santa Anna, Texas. Born on August 8, 1938, in Coleman, Texas, Rita grew up in Grosvenor and Blackwell, ultimately graduating from Bangs High School.

Throughout her remarkable life, Rita wore many hats, displaying not only her versatility but also her unwavering commitment to her community and family. For fifteen years, she drove a bulldozer, highlighting her strong work ethic and determination. Rita then went on to own and operate the diner at the Coleman Livestock Auction, where she spent over 36 years building lasting connections and friendships with those she served. Her entrepreneurial spirit continued as she opened and managed the Quilters Patch for fifteen years while also working alongside her husband, Clint, at the Western Auto Store.

Rita was not only dedicated to her work but was also deeply involved in her community. She proudly served on the Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary and was an active member of the Hudson Car Club. Her passions extended to fishing and quilting, pastimes that brought her joy and contentment.

Rita’s enduring legacy is marked by her profound love for her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Clint Day of Santa Anna; two daughters, Tammie Franke of Santa Anna, and Tina Johnson of Santa Anna; and four grandchildren, Tabitha Perkins, James Johnson, Tye Pickett, and Christy Pickett Gallaher. Rita also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

The family reflects on her loving nature and the immense impact she made throughout her life. Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Walter Woodrow Wilson and Willie Mae Gaines Wilson; one son, Terry Pickett; one brother, Eddy Bo Wilson; one sister, Ann Ray; and two grandchildren, Kathleen Johnson and Dustin White.

The family will host a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, at Stevens Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service celebrating her life at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Stewardson Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.

Rita Wilson Day’s spirit will remain ever present in the hearts of those who loved her and whom she loved so dearly. Her dedication to family, friends, and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in memory of Rita be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or to the Coleman Senior Center, P.O. Box 785, Coleman, Texas 76834.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Day family by signing the guestbook on Rita’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Day family.