Rita Jean Couser-McClellan

Rita Jean Couser-McClellan of Abilene, Texas passed away on March 14, 2026, in Abilene. 

Rita was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Cliff and Maxine Couser on January 22, 1947. After graduating from R. L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth, she then attended and graduated from Texas Christian University - Summa Cum Laude. Rita worked as a teacher following graduation and had several different jobs after leaving the teaching field. Ultimately, Rita retired from Southwestern Bell as a Customer Service Representative.

Rita was a life-long TCU Horned Frog and passed this on to her two sons and several of her grandchildren. She loved country living and always enjoyed putting out birdseed for the cardinals, doves, mockingbirds, sparrows, or whatever birds would visit her home. She was always excited to see the deer, rabbits, and roadrunners that would frequent her homestead. Rita had a green thumb and enjoyed her indoor and outdoor plants. She will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her. 

Rita was preceded in death by Cliff Couser (father), Maxine Couser (mother), Claudia Dell Couser-Atkinson (sister), and James (Jimmy) H. Atkinson (brother-in-law). 

Rita is survived by Mark C. McClellan of Abilene (son); Brent T. McClellan of Abilene(son); Tonya D. McClellan of Abilene (daughter-in-law); Dane T. McClellan of Abilene(grandson); Emily H. McClellan-Hadley and spouse of Abilene (granddaughter); Tatum D. McClellan-Rogers and spouse of Abilene (granddaughter); and Gracie F. McClellan-Stiles and spouse of Abilene (granddaughter). Rita was expecting her first great granddaughter, Ellie Mae Stiles in June 2026. 

Graveside services will be held at 1:00PM Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Elmwood Memorial Park with Thomas McIntire officiating. Services are under the direction of West Central Texas Cremation.

The family of Rita wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and all other employees in the ICU and PCU unit at Hendrick South. Each one of you were amazing and were truly a blessing to Rita and our family.