Rita Dickey

Rita Burkes Dickey, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in Graham, Texas surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born January 12, 1951, in Odessa, Texas as the only daughter of Lowell and Reba Burkes. Rita’s childhood was spent in Notrees, Goldsmith, Brownwood, and Odessa, Texas. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1969.

Rita continued her education at Texas Tech University. While attending Tech, she met the love of her life, Buster Dickey. They were married in Brownwood, Texas in 1971. Rita went on to graduate from Texas Tech with a BS in Microbiology and a Minor in Chemistry in 1973. Just prior to college graduation Rita gave birth to their son, Matt.

Rita’s first job after college was as Lab Manager for Odessa Regional Hospital from 1973-78. In 1978 she became the Regional Lab Manager for Dowell Services in Midland, Texas. In that position she became competent in oilfield laboratory testing for acid, cementing, and fracture fluids.

In 1981, Rita went independent and formed Dickey Analytical Laboratory in Midland, Texas. Rita was a true pioneer in the West Texas oil patch as she developed trusted testing methods for quality control on fracture and acid fluids. She was respected by all who had the opportunity of working with her over her 35-year career. Most of those years were spent on the well site working with oil company supervisors, fracture companies, rig hands, and so many more. A highlight of her career was having her son, Matt, join her company in 2006 until her retirement in 2016. Loyal clients of hers knew they would never “screen out” a frac job if she was on location performing the quality control.

After retirement, Rita and Buster moved to Graham, Texas to be near her son’s family. Matt’s wife, Kayla became the daughter that Rita had always wanted. Rita loved to watch her grandchildren, Garrett and Morgan in their sports and other activities.

Rita’s hobbies were bass fishing, water skiing, playing penny slot machines, collecting jewelry, Native American art, and decorating for Christmas. If you ever had the pleasure of attending one of her famous Christmas parties, you would have been amazed at her world-class collection of Santa Claus figures.

Rita was preceded in death by her father, Lowell Burkes, mother, Reba Burkes, and brother Dr. Tommy Burkes. She is survived by her husband, Buster; son Matt Dickey and wife Kayla; grandson Garrett Dickey and wife Whitlee; granddaughter Morgan Dickey; two brothers, Jack Burkes and wife Beverly; Jimmy Burkes and wife Merna and many nieces and nephews. Rita is further survived by sister in laws Martha Beaver (Joe Rue) and Mary Foster (Jimmy).

A Celebration of Life for Rita Dickey will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham, Texas. The service will be officiated by Mr. Stephen Gehring. Lunch will follow at Dinner Bell; 1429 4th Street.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dennis and Vickie Kruse; Dick and Pat Lambert, Candy Brown, Ray and Connie Ramsey, Ladd and Monica Byars, Johnny Shields, Bobby and Sabrina Smith, and Gerald and Brenda Huff.

If inclined, memorial donations can be made to Rita’s friends at Eliasville Volunteer Fire Department at PO Box 74, South Bend, TX 76481 or Graham Fire Department attn: Charlie Rogers PO Box 1449, Graham, TX 76450.