Rita Ann Abel

Rita Ann Wood Abel passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 3, 2017. She was born on April 3, 1947 in Rochester, Texas to H.F. and Lorene Wood, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her two loyal companions, her dogs, Bojangles and Sam. Rita, a retired successful business owner of Med-Pro Uniforms, was a light in her family’s lives. Until she met and married J.D. Abel on May, 21, 1991, she was a single mother of 4 and she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She was most proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to read, listen to music, work in the garden, and travel. She enjoyed spending time with her two lifelong best friends, Carolyn Campbell and Deana Price Williams. Rita’s most cherished memories were the holidays, special occasions, and countless Sunday lunches that were shared with family, at her parent’s home. She enjoyed helping to prepare meals and play board games with her family and friends at these weekly “Sunday Lunch at Granny’s”. Her happiest moments were the moments surrounded by her family and friends. Rita is survived by her husband of 26 years, J.D. Abel; daughter, Rhonda Hodges of Odessa, Texas; daughter, Cindy Kelly and husband Bert of Flower Mound, Texas; son, Jeff Hodges of Lake Station, Indiana; daughter, Sheila Williams and husband Scott of Plano, Texas; sister, Carolyn Bevell of Temecula, California; brother, David Wood and wife Debbie of Odessa, Texas; brother, Paul Wood and wife Katrina of Odessa, Texas; grandchildren, Ryan, Randi, Devon, Arianna, Toby, Miranda, Jamie, Jordan, and Logan; three great grandchildren, as well as, many loving nieces, nephews, and many more cherished family members and friends. Special appreciation is given to her caregivers at Texas Oncology, Medical Center Hospital, UT Southwestern, and Madison Medical Resort. A memorial service will be will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home located at 601 N Alleghaney, Odessa, TX where flowers will be accepted. The service will be officiated by Reverend Terry Wright of Westover Baptist Church, where Rita was a proud member. Those who so desire are invited to make memorial contributions to the Susan G Komen Foundation in honor of Rita and her long, hard fought battle against Cancer Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.