Jo Rita Olliff

Jo Rita was born in Lubbock, TX on November 5, 1944, to the late Roger and Ercell Van Bramer. She enjoyed growing up in Jal, NM at El Paso Natural Gas General Camp. She graduated from Charm Beauty School of Lovington, NM in 1961 and Jal High School in 1962. She later continued on to receive an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Radiographic Technology from Odessa College in 1979. She married James Olliff on July 17, 1966; they were married for 17 years.

She worked as a Beautician for many years before she began working as a Radiology Technician for Medical Center Hospital and Women’s and Children’s Hospital in 1979. She continued working for Medical Center Hospital for 26 years, where she was known for her compassionate care and where she formed lifelong friendships. While at Medical Center she became a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technician in 1995. She retired from Medical Center Hospital in 2005, but she continued working as a contract employee until 2010. Jo Rita enjoyed spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren. Jo Rita also enjoyed going to the movies with her children (Her favorite genre was “Shoot ‘em up, Bang-Bang” Action movies.). Which may explain why she enjoyed spending time with her family as shooting enthusiasts.

Jo Rita is survived by her daughter Jennifer Olliff of Plano, TX, her son John Olliff and his wife Laura A. Carpenter of Cypress, TX; two grandsons Chase and Logan Acuff of Midland, TX; one granddaughter Ashley Sandoz and four great grandchildren Aleah, Aubrey, Jackson and Jordyn Sandoz all of Midland TX. She is also survived by many beloved family members including her nieces, nephews and cousins and a large extended family of friends and adopted family.

Jo Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Ercell Van Bramer, her sister Camilla Thompson and her brother David Van Bramer.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to consider making a memorial donation or planting a tree in Jo Rita’s honor. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Children’s Miracle Network were charities she lovingly supported for many years and living in West Texas she had a special appreciation for how precious and beautiful a tree can be.

A Celebration of Life service for Jo Rita will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1pm at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Dr, Odessa, TX 79761.