To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…a time to be born, and a time to die…a time to weep, and a time to laugh…a time to mourn and a time to dance…Ecclesiastes 3.

Rita Ann Lewis Lacina was born on February 27, 1947, in a small clinic in West Columbia, Texas. Rita bravely fought the good fight of faith for her entire life, and she never lost hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. On Thursday, October 3, 2024, she gently stepped into her eternal home in heaven with Father God. What a day of rejoicing that must have been to have finally seen Jesus face to face and to be greeted by all of those loved ones who have gone before! She is preceded in death by her mother, Ozie Lee Ellis Lewis, and her father, Charles Albert Lewis.

Rita is survived by her loving and faithful son, Charles Lacina, and his precious wife Mandy who both lavished her with so much extravagant love and care throughout her ''golden years''. They reside in Angleton, TX. She is also survived by her grandson, Justin Lacina, and his wife Candice of Santa Fe, TX; granddaughter Kacie Lacina and Travis Neel of Sweeny, TX. Her great-grandchildren include Payton Arcudi, Maci Neel, Haislie Neel and Nash Neel. Rita was also blessed with a bonus family which includes Mandy's children: Derek Pope and wife Hannah; Emily Koenig and husband Brett of Lake Jackson, TX; Dalton Pope of Colorado. Bonus grandchildren include Kason and Callan Koenig. In addition, she is survived by many cousins and life-long friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 6th, 2024, at Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Lake Jackson, TX from 4-6pm. The funeral service will be at Lakewood Funeral Chapel on Monday, October 7th , 2024, at 10am. Immediately following her celebration of life, burial will be conducted by Restwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Justin Lacina, Walter Ellis, Brayden Bell, Travis Neel, Derek Pope and Brett Koenig.


Eulogy for Rita Lacina's Celebration of Life:

Rita's life was a rich and vibrant tapestry of memories and adventures which began at 318 Cypress Street in Lake Jackson, TX. Her parents loved her and showered her with so much love, and anyone who knew her as a child and young woman would all agree that she was a Christian who loved Jesus with every ounce of her being. She was the perfect example of a Proverbs 31 woman…prim and proper, full of grace and talented with gifts which were always used to glorify the Lord. Her stature was small and petite, but she was a force to be reckoned with. She was soft-spoken, but her fingers could send a powerful message on the piano, organ or accordion. Reading musical notes from the page and connecting them into an uninterrupted symphony for an audience of One became a message to all that her Savior lives. For most of her life, she played the piano and organ in Clute Assembly of God where she was a church member for many, many years.

Back in the 1950's and 1960's, Sunday afternoons were spent with her large extended family…at Lake Jackson Farms playing volleyball and sharing a picnic lunch at the park or gathered round the piano with her uncles who played the guitar and fiddle…singing praise and worship to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Little Granny, aunts, uncles and cousins all spent quality time with one another enjoying the simple things of life…laughing and playing a competitive game of ''pitch'' or dominoes especially at the Christmas Day celebrations later in her life. One sidebar note: Rita did not like Surfside Beach, the sand or salt water, so family excursions were not often at the beach.

Rita married when she was seventeen years old, and she graduated soon after from Brazosport High School in 1965 in Freeport, TX. Her tenacity and perseverance were clearly evident as she obtained that high school diploma. Eventually, she and her husband moved several blocks down the street from her parents on Cypress Street in Lake Jackson. There is absolutely no doubt that she was on cloud nine the day that her son, Charles Wayne, was born, and she raised him in the way that he should go…that included sitting on the hard pews in church for long, long, long services on Sundays and Wednesday nights. She modeled her Christian faith as she lavished him with so much love and scrumptiously delicious food. Rita's love was pure, and if you were a recipient of her unconditional love, you were blessed. You knew that she was praying for you without ceasing. Though her stature was small, her faith was rock-solid and grounded on Jesus.

Rita was truly a downhome southern cook, and she loved to bake or create unbelievably delicious desserts…cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, Texas sheet cake, pretzel salad, cookies and candy. Many Thanksgiving, Christmas and family traditions were established in her home and for her family. She was a talented seamstress and quilter, and her family will treasure her beautiful quilts for many generations. She blessed so many individuals with her unique gifts and talents. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life, and Kacie often received special sleepovers and was served coffee in bed the next morning.,,just a little coffee and LOTS of sugar and milk.

Rita loved so many quiet and fun-filled moments with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was so excited about Charles and Mandy's wedding, and Justin was her special date for the event. He lovingly cared for her before the wedding began, and she was escorted her throughout the celebration. You could tell how much she trusted him by the way she looked at him throughout the night.

Charles Wayne, AKA Chuck, grew up knowing that he was loved beyond measure, and Rita made sure that he was taken camping, fishing and to New Braunfels and other vacation spots. Lots of family time on the lakes was enjoyed by all, and Rita loved watching Charles Wayne grow up into such good son, husband and father. Now rest assured, if he didn't stop by the nursing home when she thought he should, she would let him know all about it under no uncertain terms. Charles was her rock and advocate throughout her lifetime; he was truly loved by such an amazing mom. He will surely treasure and cherish every single memory of his mom forever.

Rita was a meticulous accountant and administrative assistant who worked in a local bank for awhile before she was employed by Dow Chemical in Freeport, TX. She began her career at Dow working on the switchboard as an operator and eventually received a professional certification as an administrative assistant. She worked in numerous departments at Dow Chemical in Freeport and at the Dow Center in Houston, TX. She coordinated the shipping of products to other locations and countries before her retirement from Dow.

One of Rita's highest callings was to be her mom and dad's 24-7 caregivers, and she poured everything about her physical, emotional and spiritual being into ensuring their safety and protection as they experienced many health issues. They moved from their homes in Lake Jackson to Heritage Oaks in Angleton, TX. Her last residence was at Country Village in Angleton where she was cared for by so many loving individuals who spoke highly of ''Miss Rita''. When you listen to them speak of her, there is such respect and kindness. ''You can almost hear her ask every resident and staff member…How are you today?''

Believe it or not, Rita was already asking Charles about Thanksgiving, and that brought so many memories about last Thanksgiving at his home. Mandy and Charles had prepared a true feast for the family, and just watching Rita dive into the beautiful presentation of yummy food will be one of my fondest memories of her. ''Hmmmmm…that dip (actually a delicious spread) in those stuffed peppers is delicious!'' Throughout the afternoon, she snacked, ate and loved on her sweet family. God truly blessed us with her presence in our lives. For that, we are forever grateful!

Although our sister in Christ is no longer with us, we have the confidence in knowing that she is just a nano second away…standing in His presence…singing, and dancing, and praising the Lord…restored and not suffering…forever with her Beloved for all eternity.

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