Emma Rider Elliott

Emma Rider Elliott, 95, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2019 due to cumulative effects of a stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, and a head injury sustained in a fall. Emma was born on October 17, 1923 to Robert and Christinia Rider of Redding, Connecticut. She grew up on her father's dairy farm and learned to drive tractors and trucks long before she was allowed to drive on the road. She was Assistant Town Clerk for the Town of Redding for several years following World War II. She issued marriage and dog licenses, recorded property transfers, prepared the town payroll, organized elections, and performed many other duties. She was also secretary to the School Board and the Board of Selectmen, which governed the town. Nothing moved in Redding without her signature.

In 1951, she met Jennings Elliott, who had recently been transferred to Connecticut from Venezuela by Schlumberger. They were married in 1952 and began their sixty-seven-year life together in the Cajun country of South Louisiana, where he was temporarily assigned. They returned to Connecticut in late 1952, had a son in 1953, and built a home in Redding in 1956. Life was good until 1970, when a corporate transfer moved them to the Houston area. She was not happy to move to Texas, but her attitude changed when their son enrolled at Texas A&M. She became a dedicated Aggie fan and went to every home football game for more than thirty years, until she was felled by a stroke.
They built her dream home near College Station in 1976 but moved to Round Rock in 1983 when her husband was transferred to Austin. When he retired, they returned to College Station to a house near their old home. Emma enjoyed gardening and especially liked mowing with her personal John Deere tractor. She continued to mow until she was ninety-four years old. She had many pets and loved them all. She always had a pocketful of dog biscuits for her own dogs and the neighborhood dogs who visited daily. She adopted several stray cats and an abandoned puppy.

Emma had many roles in life: daughter, sister, public servant, wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a very good cook and baker and a good seamstress. As for housekeeping, she was satisfied with a "lived in" look, as was her family. She was her family's confidant, critic, cheerleader, nurse, and best friend.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John. Emma is survived by her devoted husband, Jennings Elliott of College Station; and her son, Robert Elliott of Houston. At her request, funeral services will be private and there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aggieland Humane Society.
Emma's family thanks the people from Texas Home Health Hospice, the caregivers of Blues Caring Hands and Comfort Keepers, and especially Reyna Benford, for helping her live out her final days in peaceful dignity.