Rita Coylene McCarty, lovingly known as Coylene, passed away in College Station, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 11, 1950, in Kerrville, Texas, and throughout her life called many places home, including Ingram, Huntsville, Fort Worth, and Blessing—before eventually settling in Bell County.

Coylene attended school in Ingram, TX. In 1968, she graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville, TX. After graduation, she attended business school. She started her career in Huntsville, TX, working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the historic Walls Unit while her husband, Craig finished college. Coylene dedicated over 30 years of her life as an office manager to Dr. Rosamma Joseph and Dr. Hector Colon, where her warm spirit and steady hand made a lasting impression on all who knew her. But above all, Coylene's life was centered around caring for and loving her family – a role she embraced with grace, strength, and boundless heart. This was exemplified in her youth when Coylene rescued her younger brother, Tim, after he became entangled with a runaway Shetland pony. She tackled the little horse like a rodeo star to save him!

Coylene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Craig McCarty; her beloved children, Chris McCarty and his wife Carly, and Casey Ellis and her significant other Conrad Liles; her cherished grandchildren: Courtlyn and Eli Peppers, Caden McCarty, and Karrter, Karsyn, and Kameron Ellis. She is also survived by her brothers, Buddy Reed (Debbie), and Tim Reed; her sister, Shirley Dommert; her brother-in-law, Gene McCarty (Carol); her sister-in-law, Colleen Shattuck (Paul); her aunt, Janey Priour; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roley Coy and Lola Virginia (Priour) Reed; her husband's parents, Robert T. McCarty, and Jacqueline McCarty Howell; her sister, Barbara Lasagna; her sister-in-law, Vickie Reed; and her uncle, Tommy Priour.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date where loved ones will gather to honor her memory and the incredible life she lived.