Clorita "Rita" Nell Madlock

On Friday, September 27, 2024, Clorita (Rita) Nell Madlock went home to be with her Lord and savior. Rita was born May 14, 1935, in Lamesa, Texas. She was the daughter of James Pleasant Newsome and Annie Lee Newsome. Clorita moved with her family to Clyde, Texas when she was four years old. They raised peanuts and dairy cows on a family farm in Clyde. When Rita was in High School, they moved to Midland Texas where she was active in volleyball and graduated in 1953. Rita attended Odessa Junior College and after college she got a job at the Texas Railroad Commission in Midland. She later worked for the Atlantic Refining Co.

On September 4th, 1959, Rita married the love of her life, Douglas Madlock. They made their home in San Diego while Doug served in the US Navy. Doug and Rita loved life in San Diego and loved being near the ocean. They enjoyed many adventures together with friends whom they stayed in touch with for a lifetime. They left San Diego and moved to Aneth Utah where their two children, Doug and Sandi were born. They enjoyed raising their children in the small community of Aneth. Eventually, they moved from Aneth to Aztec, NM. Rita was a substitute teacher in the Aztec Schools and then moved into a secretary position at Aztec High School. She later accepted a position at the Administration Office for Aztec Schools and worked there until she retired.

Doug and Rita bought a piece of property next to a creek in Vallecito, Colorado where they spent summers and weekends with their family and friends. Vallecito was a very special place for both of them. They had many wonderful memories with family and neighboring friends. Rita was lovingly referred to by family and friends as the “Dr. Doolittle” of Vallecito. She often fed various critters and birds off her deck, often getting them to eat out of her hand. After retirement, they traveled with friends and family and went on many excursions in their Fifth Wheel to Alaska and the lower states. They moved to Poverty Creek, NM for several years where they made many new friendships. They eventually moved back to Aztec, NM to be able to be close to family and grandkids. They attended many sporting events with their grandchildren.

Rita will be remembered as one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She had a sweet spirit that lit up the room. The moment anyone was at her door to visit, they had either coffee, lemonade or sweet tea in their hands before they sat down. She was a wonderful hostess and loved entertaining. She was loved by so many people, and she will be deeply missed by all.

Rita is survived by her son James Douglas Madlock (Sharon) of Jerseyville, IL and her daughter Sandra Anniece Root of Aztec, NM, six grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Madlock, Kimberly Ann Madlock, Michelle Marie Madlock, Douglas Brian Madlock (Tara), Tyler Ryan Root and Sarah Nicole Root and seven great grandchildren. Besides her parents she is preceded in death by her brother Kenneth Newsome and Norma Jacobs.

 A celebration of life will be held for Rita at 4pm Saturday 19th of October at 23 Road 3400 Aztec NM. Food will be provided.