Rita Mae Waters
September 15, 1932 – January 20, 2026
Rita Mae Waters, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, in Austin, Texas. She was born on September 15, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Anita and Louis Fernandez; her beloved husband, Wayne Waters; her brother, L. J. Fernandez; and her sister, Connie Hebert.
She is survived by her six children: Robert Collier and Becky Mitchell; Tom and Barbara Collier; Debbie and Don Haluzan; Michael Gorsalitz; Wayne and Cindy Waters; and Rhonda and Ruben Gonzales. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with many children who lovingly called her “Mamaw.” Rita is further survived by her sisters, Jean Bondesen and Barbara Schroeder, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
As a child, Rita and her family moved from Louisiana to Houston, and she proudly called Houston home until the 1980s. After retiring, Rita and Wayne moved to Lake Livingston, where she remained until Wayne’s passing in 2010. In 2021, Rita relocated to senior living in Central Texas.
Rita had many interests and talents. She loved traveling with her sisters and family and especially cherished family reunions and gatherings. A gifted and creative woman, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidery, and ceramics. Rita had a warm and welcoming spirit, made friends wherever she went, and was deeply loved by all.
Memorial Service at Twin Oaks Ranch on Sunday, February 1, 2026, 4:00 pm 100 Marks Overlook Drive Buda, Texas 78610. |
