Rita Fay Gaines

Born on September 8, 1950, in Hobbs, New Mexico, Rita spent most of her life in West Texas. She graduated from Monterey High School in Lubbock in 1968 and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Texas Tech University in 1972.

That same year, she began a lifelong career in teaching—one that touched countless young lives across several school districts, including Frenship, Seagraves, Lubbock ISD, Pleasant Ridge Baptist School, and Trinity Christian School.

Never one to stop learning, Rita returned to school in her early 50s, earning a master’s degree from Sul Ross University. She went on to serve as an educational diagnostician for Andrews ISD and later Lubbock Cooper ISD, retiring in 2014.

Rita married Ronald Aaron Gaines in 1969, and together they welcomed twin sons, Jeremy and Jaron, in 1980. The couple was married for 35 years before divorcing in 2004. In 2014, she married Edward Pillow; they divorced in 2023.

In 2024, Rita moved to Midland, Texas, and settled into the Manor Park retirement community. Being closer to her family was one of the great joys of her later years. She treasured her time with her sons and especially adored her granddaughter, Emma, who brought immense happiness to her life.

Rita had a deep love for her miniature Yorkshire terriers, Roxie and Lucy, who were her faithful companions through many seasons of life.

She also cherished her friendships—maintaining lifelong bonds from childhood, close ties with fellow educators, and meaningful relationships formed through cancer support groups. In her retirement, she rekindled a cherished connection with her cousin Marlene, with whom she spoke nearly every day.

A resilient and courageous woman, Rita faced and overcame three types of cancer during her life. Her strength and grace served as a source of inspiration to many.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Edward Flowers and Frances Fay Harkey; her brother, Allan Ray Cunningham; and her beloved dog, Roxie.

She is survived by her sons, Jeremy Ronald Gaines and Jaron Aaron Gaines; her granddaughter, Emma Adelaide Gaines; and her dog, Lucy.

A memorial service will be held at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, on Friday, May 16th at 2:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome. Donations in Rita’s memory may also be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.