Rita Carlile

Rita Joyce Carlile, 89, of Amarillo, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 4, 2026, surrounded by love and a lifetime of cherished memories. She leaves behind a family who will carry her love and memory in their hearts forever. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Faith SW Church, 4415 Wesley Drive. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Friday, September 11, 2026 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. 

Rita shared 64 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Carl Carlile. Together, they built a life and a family rooted in love, devotion, and countless memories that will be treasured for generations to come. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Roger Carlile (wife, Rita Lynn) and Jeff Carlile (wife, Erin). She cherished her role as a grandmother to Ryan Carlile; Loren Carlile (husband, Austin Ferguson); Tessa Holmes (husband, Dylan); Mason Carlile (wife, Caitlyn Faye); Caitlyn Carlile (boyfriend, Bradley Watson); and Caleb Carlile. Her heart was filled with joy for her great-grandchildren, Lily Grant, Juniper Ferguson, Elizabeth Holmes, James Holmes, Scarlett Carlile, and Matthew Carlile, whose lives will remain a treasured part of her legacy.

She is also survived by her brothers, Robert Parker and James Parker (wife, Elsie); her nieces and nephews, Tammy Bartholomew, Cindy Stewart, and Randy Parker (wife, Shannon); and a beloved generation of great-nieces and great-nephews, Rachel Kagay (husband, Bryant, children Parker, Kinsley, and Hyatt), Hannah Riley (husband, Drew, children Blakely, Noah, and Maverick); Shane Parker (husband Thomas Pettit), and Steven Parker(wife, Kerri and children Evalee and coming soon Nahila), who were all a cherished part of her extended family.

Rita dedicated 30 years of her life to teaching elementary school children in Amarillo. The many lives she touched throughout those years are part of the lasting legacy she leaves behind. Above all, Rita will be remembered for the way she loved people. She loved her family fiercely and cherished her friends. Her absence leaves a place that cannot be filled, but her family finds comfort knowing she is now resting in the arms of her Savior.

If you wish to honor Rita through a donation, please consider a charity of your choice.