Rita Jane Thompson, 71, was wrapped in the arms of Jesus on Friday, October 31, 2014 as she passed away from complications following knee surgery. She was, no doubt, met by the love of her life, John, as she was reunited with her husband of 38 years after being apart for the past 3. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 1:30pm at Southern Hills Church of Christ, with burial to follow at Texas Veteran's Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street, on Monday, November 3rd from 5 to 7pm. Rita was born August 17, 1943 in Memphis, Texas to Hank and Lenora Hankins. She spent her childhood with her brother, Jack, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins as they shared their time together with family between Memphis, Quanah, and Abilene. Her family moved to Abilene and Rita attended school, graduating from Abilene High School in 1961. She then attended Abilene Christian College, where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Education in 2 ½ years. She married Terry Joe Jowers and they moved to Midland, where she taught elementary school and he was a member of the Midland Police Department. They were blessed with two sons, Mark and Tony. In 1972, Terry was killed in a motorcycle accident. Consequently, Rita and the boys moved back to Abilene, where she ultimately met and married John Glenn Thompson in 1973. John later adopted the two boys, and the family eventually made their home in Abilene after living in Dallas and Lake Jackson, Texas. The family grew when John and Rita welcomed their third son, Glenn in 1976 and later, their baby girl, Ginger, in 1978. Rita enjoyed being a homemaker and an educator during her children's childhood. She also volunteered her time as a member of the Auxiliary at Hendricks Medical Center, she was on the Board of Directors of the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, and was the President of the Dixie Little League for many years. She participated in the Abilene Garden Club, and was a member of the women's sorority Beta Sigma Phi. Rita consistently supported her children's schools by being a room mother, PTA member and officer, and feeding many, many of her children's friends through the years. Rita was known for keeping her kitchen stocked and their swimming pool full of kids, as their home was always the gathering place due to Rita's warm nature and ability to "mother" all. She was affectionately referred to as "Mama Rita" to countless kids throughout the years. In 1995, Rita obtained her Master's Degree in Education from Tarleton State University. By this time, the family had relocated to Austin, and she began serving children as an elementary school Counselor. She enjoyed this season of her life until she retired from the Austin Independent School District in 2005. John and Rita then moved back to Abilene, built a home together, and enjoyed their retirement with family and friends. They adopted 4 dogs from the local shelter, chased their 5 grandbabies between Bastrop and Sweetwater, and were active in the Southern Hills Church of Christ family. Rita enjoyed gardening, sewing, decorating, and travelling. Following John's passing in 2011, Rita moved to Sweetwater, Texas to be close to her daughter and family in 2012. She enjoyed meeting new friends, becoming a member of the 4th and Elm Church of Christ, and volunteered as a member of the Auxiliary at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital. She had a heart for children, and supported the Cornerstone Christian School with her gifts. Her parents, Hank and Lenora Hankins, and her brother, Jack Hankins, preceded Rita in death. Her four children that loved her immensely survive her: Mark Thompson and spouse, Scott Rubel, of Austin; Tony Thompson and wife, Heather, of Bastrop; Glenn Thompson of Lakeway, Texas; and Ginger Paty and husband, Cody, of Sweetwater. She is also survived by 5 beautiful grandchildren that she adored: Hannah Thompson and Katie Thompson of Bastrop, Texas and Claire Paty, Gregory Paty, and Meredith Paty of Sweetwater, Texas.