Rita Bonds

Rita Bonds was born and raised in Dallas, went to Hillcrest High School, and became a Christian when she was seven years old. She was a member of Park Cities Baptist Church until marrying Carl and becoming a member of Richardson Heights Baptist Church.

Rita received her BA degree from Baylor University and her MLS degree from Texas Woman’s University. Immediately following graduation, she worked as a 4^th grade teacher in the Groesbeck ISD.  She loved teaching the 4^th grade and living in the small town of Mexia, about 40 miles from Waco.  Prominent student:  Kenneth Sims, a consensus All-American football player at the University of Texas, and a NFL player for 8 years. After 3 years Rita moved to Garland and at Garland ISD taught 6^th and 7^th grade math and taught K-5^th grade as an elementary librarian. Prominent students:  LeAnn Rimes and Nick Florence, Baylor quarterback. She retired after 28 years as a teacher.

Texas Library Association, Parent Teachers Association, Boy Scouts of America-Badge Teacher, Richardson Heights Baptist Church where she served as Choir Member, Youth Choir Teacher, and served on Library and Personnel Committees; Richardson Doll Club-served as President and Treasurer; Baylor Women’s Council of Dallas-Past President and current Scholarship Chair;  Louise Herrington Baylor School of Nursing-Member and current Co-Chair of Board of Advocates.

Baylor Women’s Council of Dallas-Woman of Distinction; City of Richardson Leadership Grove Community Service Award Tree # 138; Parent Teacher Association-Volunteer of the Year and Life Member Award.

Husband Carl, BA, Baylor; son Scott, BBS Baylor, daughter-in-law Emily, attended Baylor but B.A. from A&M Commerce; stepson Steve Bonds, attended Baylor but B.A. from St. Edwards University, his wife Jacque, B.A. University of Missouri; stepdaughter Janis, homemaker, husband Marty Harper, CPA; plus, eight grandsons and one granddaughter.