It is with the deepest sorrow that we mourn the passing of our beloved and cherished mother, Ellen “Rita” Verrette. She departed peacefully on July 6, 2025, at the age of 93. Rita was born on Oct. 8, 1931, in Ames, Texas, to Frank Alcide Donatto Jr. and Margaret Jadoin Donatto.
Rita graduated from Liberty Training High School in 1949 as Salutatorian of her class.
In the Spring of 1949, she met the love of her life (Leo) and they married Dec. 28, 1949, and from that union, seven children were born. It was at that time that they made Raywood their home where she resided until her death.
She was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 76 years and member of the Alter Society, Ladies Auxiliary, and was a Religious Education teacher. She also volunteered with numerous ministries in the church. She volunteered in the community and was very civic minded and kept up with politics. She was an avid reader of anything she could find.
Rita was a woman of strength and unwavering love. She dedicated her life to her family, nurturing us with kindness, wisdom, faith, courage and a strong work ethic that carried us through life’s joys and challenges. She was a steady and bright light in our lives; gentle yet powerful. She enjoyed working with her plants, sewing, baking, classical music and most importantly her “Kindle”! She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and the way she made everyone feel welcomed in her presence and in her home.
She is preceded in death by her parents, spouse (Leo), siblings, Dewey, Alice, Freddie, Alton, Anna and her great-granddaughter Maya Michelle Matthews.
She is survived by her children; Shelia (Joseph), Yvonne (Carey), Carol (Joseph), Greta, Jacqueline, Leo Owen (Kathy), Anissa (Jerry), 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A rite of Christian burial will be held on July 19, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3730 FM 160 Raywood, Texas 77582.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating a book in her memory to your local library.
To send flowers to the family of Ellen , please visit our floral store.