Rita Diane Ewald

Rita Diane Ewald, died April 14, 2024 surrounded by her children and dog.  Rita was born August 25, 1949 in Galveston, TX to Hilton & Mollie Sweatt. 

Rita worked at American Printing Company until they closed and then went on to work at Kmart as a night stocker while babysitting her grandson, Jerrett, in between.  After leaving Kmart, she went on to the Galveston County Clerk’s office, where she retired in August 2019 to help care for her mother. 

Rita was an avid bowler that bowled her first 600 series while pregnant with her daughter.  She attended many state and national bowling tournaments.  She loved shopping, going to the movies, road trips, going out to dinner with her kids, family and friends, attending baseball games of her grandsons, and spoiling her dog Minnie terribly.  Rita was a beautiful lady, full of life and enjoyed helping others.  During Christmas, Rita and Melody would buy gifts for those seniors in facilities that did not have families to provide for them as a tribute to her mother.  Rita was very selfless and offered her smile and any type of goodness she had available. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Fred C. Ewald, Jr., sister, Sandra “Nicki” Holcomb, brother Tony Sweatt., grandson, Tyler Walsh-Ewald, son-in-law Chriss Fabain. 

Rita is survived by her children Melody Ewald-Fabain of Galveston, Fred “Bubba” Ewald, III of Ft. Worth, Craig Ewald of League City, and Jonathan Ewald (Rachel) of Dallas.  Grandchildren Jerrett Fabain, Corrigan Walsh-Ewald, and Austin Walsh.  Rita’s siblings are Bruce Sweatt (Judy) of LaPorte, Joyce Irwin of Galveston, and Cindy Charach (Glenn) of Hawaii.  Rita was also survived by her brother-in-law David Ewald (Paula), Fred Rodefeld, Renae Walsh-Ewald, and numerous nieces, nephews, and her Alabama family.

Visitation will be through J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home on Monday, April 22, 2024.  The family will begin receiving visitors at 12 pm, with a Catholic service to begin at 1 pm with Deacon Steve Mistretta officiating.  Burial will follow at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock next to her first love.

Pallbearers will be:  David Ewald, Ryan Ewald, Steven Agorastos, Justin Welsh, Rodney Rodefeld, Ross Rodefeld, Dwight Sullivan, and Jason Nguyen. 

Much appreciation is given to Dottie, Jodi, Elisa with Spectrum Hospice, Sodalis Assisted Living, Kizzy Oliver and all of her staff for the love they showed their “Ri-Ri” and our family everyday on a regular basis.

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