Rita Clarice Stauss

Rita Clarice Hernandez Stauss, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on February 19, 2026 at Grace Hospice House in Ocala, Florida at 91 years of age.

Rita was born in Fernandina Beach, Nassau County, Florida on August 2, 1934, to parents Nowlin Saucey Hernandez and Nita Clarice Herring Hernandez. She married Don Hambly Stauss, January 17, 1954 and they were married 65 years until Don’s passing on August 12, 2019. Rita and Don were the parents of four (4) children, Melodie Stauss (Kent Sloan), Don Hambly Stauss Jr. (Paula), Tom Stauss (Colleen), and Carlyn Stauss Morley, as well as 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Rita was a devoted, loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family meant everything to her. She was mother first, and with full support of her husband Don, she felt blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for many years. Always recognizing the importance of education, she went to work as a part-time bookkeeper and sales rep, to assist in helping her four (4) children to attend Brigham Young University. Rita studied to attain her real estate license and became a successful realtor receiving many awards throughout her career. She was a very hard working, honest and kind individual, who valued every client she worked for and with.

Rita joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1968, and remained faithfully devoted and solidly on the covenant path until the very day she passed. She served in many callings in her church while raising her children in the faith. Rita lived her life according to her beliefs and strong testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and firmly believed in the importance and power of daily prayer. She loved to learn and was an avid reader. She especially loved to learn about the birth, life, mission, atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was the central figure in her life, and she always tried to pattern her life after His teachings. With those teachings, she lived her life as one of the most caring, self-reliant, compassionate, strong, and valiant individuals. She was loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and many friends she treasured dearly. The greatest legacies she leaves are her family and strong and abiding faith.

We are forever grateful to the wonderful care Rita received with the Hospice East Team. Special thanks to Nancy and Brenda who made such a huge difference in her life.

There will be a celebration of Rita’s life at 10:00 a.m. on May 30, 2026, taking place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 1831 SE 18th Avenue, Ocala, Florida. ALL are welcome.

There will also be a gathering from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm on May 30th for family and friends (light refreshments will be served) at the ALCOVE OCALA Event Venue, located at 2210 SE 17th Street, Suite 302, Ocala, Florida. ALL are invited.

Rita will be buried in Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on May 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend.