Rita Rains Ramirez

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many, Rita Rains Ramirez, went home to the arms of Jesus on April 20, 2026. Rita, also affectionately known as, Rita Rae, was born on July 17, 1949, to Rolen and Rita Rains in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her parents moved their family to Ames, Iowa in 1950 and eventually settled in Dallas, Texas. She attended Bishop Dunne High School and graduated in 1967. It was during high school that she met and fell in love with her husband, Frank. They were married on December 15, 1967. Their marriage of 51 years is an example of love, patience, and faithfulness.

Rita was known for many things - gentleness, kindness, compassion, joy, and legendary cooking to name a few. Her life’s mission was to serve others while trying to stay out of the spotlight. She was passionate about seeking wisdom and sharing wisdom. In addition to raising six of her own kids, she raised a community of children and younger women in her church and neighborhood. She was a second mother to so many. She had a gift for putting you at ease, allowing you to be yourself, and encouraging you to strive to do your best with the talents God gave you. In a word, she was gracious.

If Rita were here to proofread this text, she would insist that she is getting too much attention. She would say that none of these accolades were accomplished in her own strength. She would want you to know the truth of her legacy. Through His grace, God got a hold of her heart, and she placed her trust in His Son Christ Jesus when she was an expectant mother with her third child. The transformation that took place over the next several decades of her life was a result of a daily walk with Him. Jesus was her greatest love. From that love, she couldn’t help but love others, and so many people learned about His grace and began their own walks with Him. This love is best summed up in one of Rita’s favorite Bible verses John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

She is survived by her son, Frank Ramirez Jr. and his wife Sarah; her daughter, Denise Metten and her husband, Tracy; her daughter, Lisa Thornton and her husband, Steven; her daughter, Rebecca Herrell and her husband Mark; her son, Joshua Ramirez and his wife Andrea; her son, Stephen; 17 grandchildren, Summer Ramirez, Reese Ramirez, Kenna Ramirez Lang, Chase Ramirez, Tristan Metten, Grace Metten, London Thornton Diehl, Gavin Thornton, Leighton Thornton, Everleigh Herrell, Lillian Herrell, Micah Ramirez, Zachary Ramirez, Caleb Ramirez, Lucas Ramirez, Holly Ramirez, Willow Ramirez

Her siblings, Ramona, Roxanne, Robin, Rick and Ross

Rita was reunited with her husband, Frank, whom she missed dearly, in eternal glory with Jesus!

She was also preceded in death by her parents Rolen Rains and Rita Rains and siblings, Randy, Ron, and Rhonda.

Rita will be forever cherished and loved!!!

A Celebration of life service will be held at 11am, Saturday, May 2nd in the sanctuary of Providence Presbyterian Church, 10727 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75229