Georgetown, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso, a dedicated nurse and family matriarch, passed away at the age of 86, leaving a legacy of compassion in both her career and personal life. Born in Alice, Texas, Rita made significant contributions to critical care nursing, playing a key role in establishing the first coronary care unit in Central Texas. She is remembered fondly by her family and friends for her nurturing spirit and devotion to those she cared for. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cook-Walden Davis in Georgetown.
Georgetown, Texas
Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso, a pioneering figure in nursing and a devoted family person, passed away on September 17th, 2025, at the age of 86. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment both in her professional career and personal life.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 3rd, 1939, in Alice, Texas, Rita was the daughter of the late Tomas Villarreal and Eloisa (Peña) Martinez. She graduated in the top ten of her class from William Adams High School in Alice in 1957. Rita received the first scholarship awarded by the Alice Physicians and Surgeons Hospital, which enabled her to attend the Brackenridge Hospital School of Nursing in Austin, Texas, where she graduated in 1959. Soon after, she successfully passed the State Board Examination to become a Registered Nurse. Later in her career, on May 23rd, 1981, she graduated with High Honors from the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Nursing Career
Rita began her nursing career at the Physicians & Surgeons Hospital in Alice, Texas, where she worked for a year before returning to Austin in 1961. At Brackenridge Hospital, she initially worked on the pediatrics floor before transferring to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was here that she became a key player in establishing the first coronary care unit in Central Texas, truly marking her as a pioneer in critical care nursing. She earned her CCRN certification and later took on educational roles at Seton Medical Center and St. David’s Hospitals, focusing on staff training and development.
Family and Personal Life
Rita met David R. Jaso in Austin in 1958 while he was serving in the USAF, and they married in Alice on September 3rd, 1961. The couple raised two daughters, Theresa (Terry) and Christine (Tina). After 35 years of building fulfilling careers, they relocated to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas, where they enjoyed retirement. Rita was a deeply committed wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother to three grandchildren: Sarah, Caleb, and Patrick. She found joy in family gatherings during holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as in babysitting her grandchildren and dining out with family.
Legacy and Survivors
Rita is survived by her sister, Lucila Reynolds; brother, Guadalupe Martinez Sr.; and daughters, Terry and Tina, who are married to Casey Corona and Michael Chesnutt, respectively. She also leaves behind grandchildren Sarah and Caleb Chesnutt, and Patrick Corona, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jose Martinez. Two special friends, Lulu and Mary Ann, considered her a second mom, highlighting the deep connections she fostered throughout her life.
Funeral Arrangements
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by her physicians and medical team. Funeral arrangements are being managed by Cook-Walden Davis in Georgetown. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, September 24th, from 4 PM to 8 PM. A Holy Mass and burial will occur at Assumption Cemetery in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, September 25th. Pallbearers will include family members and friends such as Caleb Chesnutt, Patrick Corona, Cookie Jaso, James Jaso, Thomas J. Flynn, Guadalupe Martinez Jr., and Rolando Carrillo. Honorary pallbearers will include Sarah Chesnutt and various family friends.
FAQ
When did Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso pass away?
Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso began her rest in eternal peace on September 17th, 2025.
Where was Rita born?
She was born on May 3rd, 1939, in Alice, Texas.
What were some of Rita’s achievements in nursing?
Rita was a pioneer in critical care nursing, helping to develop the first coronary care unit in Central Texas and achieving her CCRN certification. She also worked as an educator at Seton Medical Center and St. David’s Hospitals.
What are the funeral arrangements for Rita?
Visitation is planned for Wednesday, September 24th, from 4 PM to 8 PM, and a Holy Mass and burial will take place at Assumption Cemetery in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, September 25th.
Key Features of Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 3rd, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Alice, Texas |
| Date of Passing | September 17th, 2025 |
| Pioneering Role in Nursing | Developed the first coronary care unit in Central Texas |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin |
| Family | Survived by her daughters, sister, brother, and grandchildren |
| Funeral Arrangements | Visitation on September 24th; burial on September 25th |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Legacy: Rita Jaso Obituary
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- Martinez Funeral: Rita Moreno
- Google Search: Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso
- Tukios: Obituary
- Google Scholar: Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso
- Munden Funeral: Manuel Manny Cruz
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso
- Tukios: Tribute
- Google News: Rita Cruz Martinez Jaso
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