Juanita Colley Rueth was a firecracker. Deeply passionate about her beliefs and determined to advocate for the people, she championed independence, freedom and family. Having left Indiana as a truck-racing farm girl to elope with Tony in 1961, she instantly embraced the spirit of a Texan. Nita was involved in many civic organizations, although most would say that a pivotal part of her legacy was the tireless work she dedicated to protecting and incorporating the City of Oak Leaf in 1983. She then served as the City's Secretary until her retirement. Stories abound about the work done in her home office, the organizing and the community reach it took. But Nita herself would have claimed her legacy was actually her children- Thomas, Victoria, Kathleen, Brian and Corey and her beloved grandchildren, Jason, Canon and Amanda. Nita lived a full life of adventures, victories and losses with her best friend Tony for over 60 years, through tremendous love, determination and an insistence upon having a great sense of humor when things got tough.

Nita was a fierce lover of family, home, laughter and music, raising a family of talented musicians who gather often to sing together. We imagine conducting her celebration in this spirit.

Please consider coming to the in-person celebration of life held in Waxahachie Texas on 3/28/22. Nita was clear that she did not want a funeral surrounded with sadness, but a party that allows us to laugh and remember her impact together.

Every effort will be made to ensure this a covid-safe event (details about the celebration are below)