Marita Faye Barnes Crowder, 82, of Granbury, Texas, peacefully passed away on August 1, 2025, in Georgetown, Texas, with her children by her side. Marita was born to Ralph and Melveta Barnes in Quanah, Texas, where she grew up alongside her twin sister Lanita and their younger brothers Jimmy and Gary.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, where she also met the love of her life and soul mate, Gene Crowder. Marita and Gene were married in 1965, and they lived in Canyon until 1990, where they raised their two children. They moved to Ruston, Louisiana, and eventually settled in Granbury, where they loved being MeMom and DeDa to their grandchildren, Hayden and Zach.

Marita dedicated herself to teaching elementary school, sharing her passion for learning with the children of Canyon, Ruston, and Granbury, where she was named Teacher of the Year. She positively influenced the lives of thousands of students during their formative years, instilling a love for learning and shaping their early educational journey with love, kindness, understanding and patience. Her impact resonates deeply to this day.

Together, Marita and Gene were deeply involved in church and community. Her dedication to community extended well beyond the classroom walls to her volunteer work with Stars Academy, A-Ten Ministry, and the Friends of the Library in Granbury, a natural extension of her dedication to lifelong learning. She was a lifetime member of the professional and honorary educational societies Alpha Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma.  She cherished her connection with others, especially her church family. A devout Christian, she was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.

Marita is survived by son Kevin Crowder and daughter-in-law Lina Duque of Miami, Florida; daughter Cathryn Lowe and son-in-law TW Lowe of Liberty Hill, Texas; grandson Zach Lowe; granddaughter Hayden Garza and grandson-in-law Nate Garza, and great-granddaughter Lexi Lyn; her beloved siblings Lanita, Jimmy and Gary; and her many nieces and nephews (ReRe's kids).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Gene A. Crowder, and by her parents. The family sends heartfelt thanks to everyone at Tiffin House and Home and Grace Hospice.

Services will be held on Friday, August 8th, at 1:30pm at Acton Baptist Church in Acton, Texas, with burial to follow on Saturday, August 9th, at 9am at Quanah Memorial Cemetery in Quanah, Texas.   Flowers for the service can be arranged through Town and Country Florist in Granbury.  Arrangements are under the care of Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas.