Rita Crocker Clements facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rita Crocker Clements
|
|
|---|---|
Rita Crocker Clements, from a 1975 publication of the United States Army
|
|
| First Lady of Texas | |
| In role January 20, 1987 – January 15, 1991 |
|
| Governor | Bill Clements |
| Preceded by | Linda Gail White |
| Succeeded by | Laura Bush |
| In role January 16, 1979 – January 18, 1983 |
|
| Preceded by | Janey Slaughter Briscoe |
| Succeeded by | Linda Gail White |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rita Crocker
October 30, 1931 Newton, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | January 6, 2018 (aged 86) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Alzheimer's disease |
| Resting place | Grove Hill Memorial Park Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
|
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of Texas |
Rita Crocker Clements (October 30, 1931 – January 6, 2018) was an important American leader. She was a strong organizer for the Republican Party. She also worked hard to save historic places and served as the First Lady of Texas.
Contents
Who Was Rita Crocker Clements?
Her Early Life and Education
Rita Crocker was born in Newton, Kansas, on October 30, 1931. Her father, Mason Crocker, was a rancher and also active in politics. When Rita was 10, her family moved to Brady, Texas.
She went to The Hockaday School in Texas and finished in 1949. After that, she studied at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She then earned her degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1953. She studied Spanish and also learned about history and government.
Family Life
In 1952, Rita married Richard Bass, and they had four children together. They later divorced in 1974. In 1975, she married Bill Clements, who would become the Governor of Texas.
Starting Her Political Journey
Rita Clements began her political work as a volunteer. She helped with Dwight D. Eisenhower's campaign for President in 1952. By 1958, she became a leader for the Republican Party in Dallas County.
She continued to be very involved in politics. She helped John Tower get elected to the United States Senate in 1961. She also helped lead the campaign for Barry Goldwater for president in 1964. In 1973, she was chosen to be part of the Republican National Committee.
Serving as First Lady of Texas
Rita Clements became the First Lady of Texas when her husband, Bill Clements, was Governor. He served two terms: from 1979 to 1983 and again from 1987 to 1991. Rita was a very important helper in all of her husband's election campaigns.
As First Lady, she led the Texas Main Street program. This program helped keep local town centers alive by saving old buildings and helping businesses. From 1979 to 1982, she also led the project to fix up the Texas Governor's Mansion. She and the Governor started a group called Friends of the Governor's Mansion. This group raised money to fix the mansion and keep it in good shape. They raised $3 million, and the state added another $1 million. During her husband's second term, Rita also helped with the effort to restore the 1888 Texas Capitol building.
What She Did Later in Life
After her time as First Lady, Rita Clements stayed very active. She worked with businesses and groups that focused on saving history, education, and helping women. She was on the boards of several companies and foundations.
In 1996, Governor George W. Bush chose her to be on the University of Texas Board of Regents. Governor Rick Perry re-appointed her, and she served until 2007.
Her Passing
Rita Clements passed away in Dallas on January 6, 2018, at the age of 86. She had been ill with Alzheimer's disease. When she died, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush shared a message. They spoke about Rita Clements' strength and how much she helped the state of Texas.
Awards and Recognition
Rita Clements received many awards for her work.
- She got the Miss Ima Hogg Special Award and the Ruth B. Lester Award for her efforts to save historic places.
- In 1991, she was named a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Texas.
- In 1996, Rita Clements was chosen for the Texas Women's Hall of Fame.
- In 2007, the Texas State History Museum Foundation gave her and Governor Clements the History-Making Texan Award.
- In 2009, they received the Santa Rita Award for their contributions to the University of Texas System.
