Cleburne, Texas - Enriquita "Rita" Abarca Briley (1959-2025)

Enriquita "Rita" Abarca Briley, 65, of Cleburne, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 21, 2025. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family, in Fort Worth, Texas from complications related to kidney disease.

Rita was born in Kilate, Davao, Philippines in 1959 to Johnny and Ceferina Abarca.

Rita was a dedicated soul winner and faithful servant of God alongside her husband, Steve. They served together in various ministries over the years, the most memorable being a nursing home music ministry they shared for nearly three years. Rita always brightened a room with her unfailing smile and infectious sense of humor. She loved people, never met a stranger, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She made a lot of amazing friends and loved to tell stories from her many years working in layaway at the Cleburne Wal-Mart and The UPS Store.

Rita was preceded in death by her brothers, Eduardo Abarca, Rogelio Abarca, and Josefino Abarca, and is survived by her husband of twenty-five years, Steve Briley; daughters Lorie Mae Lovato & husband, Donald, and Debbie Lani Maneeraj (Bobby/Thomas); grandchildren Donavin Kekeikihanamanaiho'o'unaiaihomaikeakuaikalani Lovato, Lora Ann Kauanoeanuhea Lovato, Devin Kapena Lovato, and Keahilani "Bumbushka" Sasalak Maneeraj; and great-grandchild Kai Mana'o'i'o'e'anuenue Lovato. She is also survived by her siblings, Romeo Abarca, Johnny Abarca & wife, Leona, Joelito Abarca, Enrique Abarca & wife, Luisa, Teresita Tanda & husband, Daniel, Mercedita Strutner & husband, Frank, and Edgar Abarca (Amanda).

A private memorial will be held at a later date in her home state of Hawaii.

We would like to say a special thank you to Rachel Rombough, NP and the team at DPC Burleson for taking such exemplary and compassionate care of Rita over the past seven years.

Donations in Rita's memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.