Rita Jean Myatt Radley

Our beloved, Rita Jean Myatt Radley, made a peaceful transition Home on March 14, 2026, at the grand age of 101. If ever there was a reason to celebrate one's life instead of mourning it, may this be your example.

Born on January 14, 1925, to Jesse Lee and Minnie Mae Myatt, she was the third of four girls. She and her sisters forged a close bond as they were raised in a loving yet stern environment with a forbearance of argument amongst them. This connection persisted throughout their adult lives. She would fondly recall summers spent at the bay with her mother and sisters, and pictures from that era attest to those happy memories. Her parents were exceptionally hard working, yet nurtured Rita and her sisters during the tough years of the Great Depression. In fact, in later life she remarked that it was not until she was older that she fully understood the significance of this chapter in our nation's history as her parents had continued working just as hard as they had always done whilst lending help to those less fortunate.

This work ethic and persistence rubbed off on Rita. She graduated from El Campo High School in 1942 then relocated to the University of Texas to attend college. There, she met and ultimately married Robert 'Bob' Meyer Radley. Her schooling was cut short as Bob was commissioned as an Air Force pilot during World War II. Expecting their first child, she welcomed Jessica while Bob was still serving overseas. Upon his arrival back home, they relocated to Overton, Texas, before moving back to El Campo where she would live out the remainder of her life in the community she adored.

Along the way, they welcomed two more children, Gary and Craig. Being a mother did not stop Rita from continuing to push forward to better herself, her family and her community. She would go onto own/operate a children's boutique, The Dollhouse, help establish the BEES (Beautify El Campo Extension) as well as become the first female president of the local Chamber of Commerce, chief of the local Elk's Lodge and serve as Chair of the Lower Colorado River Authority board. She held various other positions with different economic development boards locally and beyond. Later in life, she was pivotal in helping secure a refuge for the city's senior citizens with the opening of the Heritage Center turning an abandoned school cafeteria into a place for elders to maintain social and physical health. This feat was accomplished at 84 years of age and subsequently earned her recognition as one of Jenny's Heroes.

She was a devout member of the El Campo Presbyterian Church though she was not born in this religion. Though Methodist by birth, she converted to Presbyterian at the age of 10 after attending church services there alongside her friend whose father was the preacher at the time. She must have been a convincing force because soon thereafter several family members, including her mother, joined the Presbyterian congregation. She was a proud member for 91 years.

Age nor complexity deterred her from achieving her goals. She was honored by the Texas Legislature (89th Session) in 2025 on her 100th birthday for her lifetime of service. She was quoted on her centennial birthday celebration as encouraging others to 'Keep reading, and you will learn something new' and to "Be stubborn until you get what you want.' This was Rita's advice for a meaningful life, and she put these philosophies into action time and time again. She had great vision and cared about the present while looking ahead to the future of not only our small community but also of our great nation.

Relationships remained a constant in Rita's life and nothing would elicit a bigger smile on her face than to speak of her family. She had an especially soft spot in her heart for her grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. They brought her immense joy, especially as she aged, and her eyes would sparkle as they visited or when they were spoken of in her presence. She lived a full life on earth not just by quantity of her years but by the quality of them.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Radley, parents, sisters Mary Lucille "Cele" Hancock and Leola Mae Ramsey.

Rita is survived by her children Jessica Radley, Gary Radley and wife, Susan and Craig Radley and wife, Debbie; 10 grandchildren, Tina Mehrens, Terri Jones and husband Michael, Ginger Crawford and husband Tres, Clint Radley and wife Jane, Heath Radley and wife Cori, Taylor Radley and wife Jessica, Brooke Radley Dorotik and husband Chad, Cody Radley and wife Allison, Cade Radley and wife Nicole and Coy Radley; 19 great-grandchildren (4 great-great grandchildren) Radley Jones and wife Monica (Allie and Leila), Lindsey Rosales and husband Cody (Blake and Quinn), Aubin Powell, Meredith and Madelyn Radley, Owen and Claire Radley, Tristyn, Taylor and Gunnar Radley, Myatt, Lyndon, William and Adeline Dorotik, Ava and Casen Radley, Cole, Charlee and Camden Radley and sister, Patricia Elliot.

The family would like to extend a most sincere thank you to Rita's devoted care givers, including Rosalinda Carbajal, Rose Carriere, Blanca Guzman and Rachael Garza. Your devotion to Rita has touched our hearts.

Triska Funeral Home will be overseeing arrangements. Rita's celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, March 24th at 3:30 pm at the El Campo Presbyterian Church with Pastor Kristine Shultis officiating and Pastor John McCord assisting. After the service, the family would be honored with your presence at the El Campo Country Club for a true celebration of life "party". A private burial for the family will take place.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to 1st Presbyterian Church.

Condolences may be shared online at www.triskafuneralhome.ccom