Rita "Mema" Garretson

Rita "Mema" Garretson passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Wayne Garretson, whom she married on June 25, 1955, in Dallas, Texas. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe Conklin Crouse and Willie Ellen Crouse, along with her siblings Otha Lee Crouse, Ruth Crouse Montgomery, Edward "Gene" Crouse, Mattie Lou Hudson, and Paul Ray Crouse.

She is survived by her loving children Edward Glen Garretson and his wife Toni, Karen Lynn Garretson, and Shawn Douglas Garretson and his wife Valerie; sisters Doris Louise Villanueva, Alice Marie Johnston, and Ellen Crouse McKee and husband John; brothers Bobby Dean Crouse and wife Donna, and Kenneth Wayne Crouse; grandchildren Kristi MaEllen Usrey, Rachel Lynn Collingsworth, Nickie Kay Washburn, and Chad Edward Garretson; great-grandchildren Alyssa Usrey, Valittie Gonzalez, Kaitlin Collingsworth, Devin Garretson, Dyllan Washburn, Katie Washburn, Camrin Collingsworth, Carson Collingsworth, Cain Garretson, and Camden Garretson; and great-great grandchildren Leo Pineda, Christopher Gonzalez, Collins Gonzalez, Ava Gonzalez, and Jonah Gonzalez.

Throughout her life, she worked faithfully and diligently, spending 30 years in banking, and later serving 30 years with Mesquite Independent School District, retiring at 80 years old-a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication. A woman of deep faith, she attended Calvary Hill Baptist Church, and her love for church and family was central to who she was. She enjoyed cooking, sports, and was an avid softball player for the "Go Getters." She especially loved time spent with friends and family and never turned down Mexican food-especially guacamole. Her life was filled with proud accomplishments, including 47 years of marriage, raising three children, and building a family that grew across generations to include four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She was also proud of obtaining her cosmetology license after getting her GED. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.