Rita Joyce (Alford) Oliver

Rita Joyce Alford Oliver, 79, of Conroe, Texas passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023. She was born in Caldwell, Texas on November 16, 1943 to Clarence and Alice Nickels Alford. This loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend will be missed. Three years after Rita’s birth, the family moved to Gause. Through her childhood, they moved multiple times living in Rockdale, Houston, and finally ending up in Sugar Land. Here is where she had her first job at Dairy Queen, graduated from Dulles High School, and where she met her future husband, Roy Oliver. One day she went to the Oliver home to pick up her nephews for her sister Twila. Mrs. Oliver (Roy’s mother) had been babysitting them. Roy had recently moved back from Louisiana where he had been working and living with his brother Ted, and when Rita and Roy saw each other they both knew “this is the one”. Roy thought to himself “Wow, what a pretty woman she is!”. Rita instantly had the old-fashioned feeling of “I’m in love!”. Rita and Roy married on December 14, 1961. Rita became a stay-at-home mom the next year and welcomed five more children after that. Rita loved to read and probably read every “Harlequin Romance” ever written. She also made time every day to watch her favorite soap opera “Days of Our Lives”. She was able to supplement the family income by selling her crochet items and by babysitting neighborhood kids. In addition to crocheting, she enjoyed crafting, cooking, and raising her children. Later in life she enjoyed sitting at her kitchen table and watching the birds and squirrels play outside her window. Through the years Rita was riddled with many health issues, but stayed strong and determined to push through the pain and setbacks. Her favorites were: Lavender/Red (colors), George Jones/Freddy Hart (singers), Easy Lovin’ (song), Hibiscus (flower), Hummingbirds/Cardinals (birds), Almond Joy candy bars, Blue Bell Buttered Pecan ice cream, word search puzzles, and watching Bull Riding. In addition to her husband Roy Oliver, Rita is preceded in death by an infant daughter; her son, Chris Oliver; grandson, Hoyt Oliver; and siblings, Wayne Alford and Faye Blackmon. Survivors include her children, Shelia Collins (James), David Oliver (Rachael), Angela Oliver, Bruce Oliver (Misty Hilton), and Crystal Moody (Bubba); 15 grandchildren and 13+ great grandchildren; siblings, Twila Gibson, George Alford (Donna), Rose Shelton (Steve), and Curtis Alford; along with extended family and friends. We love you and will miss you. A huge hole has been left in our hearts, but we have our memories locked in our hearts, and no one can take those away. Goodbye momma, until we see you again.

Tributes

Rita Joyce (Alford) Oliver

November 16, 1943 - August 5, 2023