Leonita Otahal

Leonita (Nita) Alice Ranly Otahal, age 96, passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 29, 2026.

Nita was born on November 6, 1929, at Spohn Hospital to Jacob and Ella Nora Busenlehner Ranly. She was raised on her parents’ 108-acre family farm in Violet, Texas. She attended Violet School for her elementary education and later graduated from Robstown High School.

In 1952, Nita married Charles “Charlie” Otahal. Together they lived and farmed in Robstown, where they spent the remainder of their lives building a home, a family, and a legacy rooted deeply in the land.

And God made a farmer. Nita was born and raised on a farm. Her grandparents were farmers. She married a farmer. To say farming was her life is an understatement—it was in her blood. At the age of 43, with six children between the ages of 10 and 19, Nita faced the devastating loss of her husband. Through strength, faith, and determination, she kept the family farm together for her children. One of her greatest sources of pride was seeing her grandsons carry on as the next generation of farmers.

Nita was a longtime parishioner of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Robstown. She was an active member of St. Ann’s Altar Society, where she organized countless funeral meals, decorated the church for Christmas, and—even into her late 80s—helped make kolaches for fundraising events.

She had a deep love for plants, especially vincas, and enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, embroidery, painting and cooking. One of her most treasured traditions was making sequined Christmas stockings—over 41 of them—for every immediate family member, and even a couple of beloved family pets.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 21 years, Charles Otahal; and her son, Claude Otahal.

She is survived by her children: Rita Willhite; Sidney (Kathy) Otahal; Sharon Millican; Ben (Gaye) Otahal; Eleanor (Doug) Liberty and cherished family member, Denise Otahal.

She was a proud grandmother to Rachelle (Bryan) Shaver; Tim (Morgan) Otahal; Kate (Josh) Jurecek; Charlie (Amanda) Otahal; Claudia (Bubba) Jones; Jeff Millican; Cassidy Otahal; Todd (Kayla) Otahal; Tyler (Nikole) Otahal; Schanen (Emily) Liberty; David Liberty; and Travis (Cerenity) Liberty.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Bryce, Macie, and Faith Shaver; Carter, Logan, and Ceclia Otahal; Hagen and Heston Jurecek; Addison and Connor Otahal; Oliver, Bennett, and MaKenzie Jones; and Clara and Calvin Otahal. Along with numerous nieces & nephews.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Harbor Hospice for the compassionate and loving care provided during Nita’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Nueces County Junior Livestock Show, P.O. Box 260968, Corpus Christi, TX 78469.