Rita Lara Matta

Rita Lara Matta, 80, of Odessa, Texas passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Pecos, Texas, to Ladislao and Maria (Rivera) Lara on September 21, 1942. She grew up in Pecos on the family ranch with her brothers and sisters Secundino, Vicente, Guadalupe, Chuy, Ricarda, Socorro, Rosa, and Tere having fun with cousins and neighborhood friends and honing the skills that she would use later in life to spoil and show her family love.

She married her “Hunny”, Paz Matta, on December 25, 1959, and over the next 51 years, until his passing, had 7 children and lived the perfect example of what a loving, hardworking, faithful, devoted, classy couple should be.  

Known for her shy demeanor and soft voice, she never hesitated to welcome you into her home and make you a part of her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking, for everyone, and everything was made from scratch and most importantly with love! Whether she was making a fresh stack of tortillas, salmon patties or a simple hamburger, or if she was going for your sweet tooth with a batch of her Mrs. Fields cookies for Christmas or “pink stuff” for Thanksgiving or even a hummingbird cake on a random Tuesday, your tastebuds were always in for a treat. She also loved to garden and made oils from rose petals and hierba buena.

You could always count on Ms. Rita to be a trend setter. The nicest outfits, the newest hairstyles, the beautiful jewelry and luxurious face creams, everything about her was just perfect. This also carried into her home. She enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday. Christmas, Easter, and Halloween were some of her favorites to decorate for and no matter what time of day you walked into her home it was always spotless and so inviting. The attention to detail she gave to everything made you feel so special. She would make it a point to make the grandkids candy bags for Halloween, even when they were” too big for that”, cook your favorite meal for your birthday or hand write you a birthday card with her perfect penmanship.

Along with her caring nature, Rita had the most wonderful humble heart and that was no doubt made that way because of her faith in God. There wasn’t a Sunday morning mass that you wouldn’t find her and Paz sitting in the first pew ready to serve as Eucharistic Ministers at St. Joseph’s and they never missed their weekly Eucharistic Adoration at St. Mary’s.

As we prepare to say goodbye, we will always carry with us her love of family, her tender tone, warm embraces, and love that we were able to share with all of you.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, siblings, Husband, and daughter Dianna Matta.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children: Eduvina and her children Lanore and Myranda. Mario Matta, his wife Dora and their children Mario Jr, Tina, Paz, and Antony. Angel, his wife Sandra and their children Angel Jr., Johnny, Adrian, Matthew, Austin, and Alex. Daniel, and his wife Hilda and their daughter Elizabeth. Arturo and his children, Amerie, Tony, Stephanie, Jacob, and Anthony. Hope and her husband Gabriel and their children Gabriel Jr. and Evan. 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

The family would also like to extend our appreciation to Hope and Arturo for always being present to take care of her and a very special thank you to Amerie Matta for taking the opportunity to provide our beautiful Mom/Grandma with the most loving care possible.

We would also like to express our most sincere gratitude to the staff at Interim Hospice. Jessica, Team nurse. Nurses Rosie, Michelle and Ricky. Social Worker Marbiel, Shower aides Betsy and Beatrice, Chaplin Kim and Dr. Scotty Ortega.

Visitation is set for Tuesday August 15, 2023, from 1:00PM-9:00PM with a Rosary at 7:00PM at Martinez Funeral Home Chapel.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM Wednesday August 16, 2023, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery ‘Los Angeles section’.

Pallbearers will be Mario Matta Jr, Paz Matta, Angel Matta Jr, Johnny Matta, Matthew Matta, Anthony Matta, Gabriel Espinoza Jr and Evan Espinoza.

Proverbs 31: 10-31