Rita Melida Boatler, 83, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 at St. Francis of Asissi Catholic Church at 1:00PM. Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026 from 5:00-7:00PM with a Rosary at 6:00PM at North's Funeral Home. Rita was born on May 29, 1942, in Singapore to Herald De Silva and Adelaide Vass. She carried the warmth, traditions, and spirit of her homeland with her throughout her life. In 1979, Rita moved to Abilene, where she built a life centered around family, friendship, faith, and love. Rita had a joyful spirit and a heart that welcomed everyone. She found happiness in the simple things like tending to her garden, spending peaceful days fishing, and enjoying lively games of Bingo with friends who became like family. She loved dancing to her favorite song, Freddy Fenders's Tear Drop Fall, and tearing up the dance floor to Chubby Checker's Let's Twist Again, and later mastering the Two Step in Texas. She especially loved cooking for those she cared about. Her kitchen was always filled with wonderful aromas, laughter, and togetherness. Her homemade egg rolls, steamboat, Singapore curry, pineapple tarts, and baking sugee cakes became treasured family favorites and lasting traditions that will forever remind her loved ones of her care and generosity. More than anything, Rita loved her family. She was proud of each one of them and treasured every gathering, conversation, and memory shared together. Her kindness, strength, gentle nature, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Rita leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Though she will be greatly missed, the memories she created and the love she gave so freely will never be forgotten. Rita is survived by 6 children and their spouses--Terrance & Michelle, Adrian & Jennie, Hazel, Colin & Fiona, Stephanie & late Jeff, Keith & Kate. 12 grand children ( Dawn, Darrell, Drew, Cheryl, Caroline, Crystal, Donovan, Emelia, Anastin, Ian, Karlee and Konnor ). 5 great grand children (Thea, Liam, Calsher, Grace, Olivia).