On December 12, 1950 in Wichita Falls, Texas a Beautiful Baby Girl was born to James Mathis and Joyce Pruett. They named her Rita Gayle. The family moved to Oklahoma when Rita was 6 and that is where Rita remained until her passing.

Rita attended Muskogee Public Schools and graduated with a Master's Degree from OU…Rita carried a 4 point average.

Rita married the love of her life Michael. They were married for 25 years.

Rita worked for Green Country Mental Health as the HR for over 24 years. Rita then went to Monarch, with the help from her dear friend Tom Martindale.  Rita was still working when Covid hit her.  She was employed with Monarch for 13+ years.

Rita could shop for hours. She was always thinking of others.  She was a giving person never wanting anything in return. On November 13, 2020 Rita gave orders to where the gifts were and to make sure the Christmas gifts that she had purchased would be given to her babies.  She also loved to cruise and decorate, especially at Christmas.

Rita was an active member of Timothy Baptist Church where she accepted the Lord as her Savior. She served in many positions at the church.  Rita loved her church and her church family.  But she took a special liking to her Brother…Kelly Payne.  The Payne family had a piece of Rita's heart.  Rita served her church faithfully.

On December 1, 2020, God saw she had fought the battle and was tired. God sent His Angels to bring her home.  Even though we wanted her to stay, Rita was ready to meet her Lord and Savior. She Peacefully transferred to Eternal Rest.

Those who were waiting for Rita to enter the Pearly Gates was her Savior, Daddy, Momma, Grandson Daniel Oakley, Grandparents and many other loved ones.

Rita leaves to cherish her memories her loving Husband Michael Oakley, 6 children: Henry Jr. and Maurice Givens, Tonya (Michael) Jackson of Ft. Worth, Tamara (Yodie) Moore, Muskogee, Mathis Givens and Courtney Oakley (both of Muskogee), 20 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and 2 sisters Jolynn Pruett McGee and Susie (Calvin) Sallis, her Aunt Donna Pruett Reynolds (Wichita Falls, Texas), the Payne Family and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rita also had a bonus brother and sister Kelly Payne and Kathy Carbone and a very special friend Tom Martindale.

A Memorial Service will be conduced, Saturday, December 5, 2020, 11:00 a.m., Timothy Baptist Church, 5530 W. Okmulgee St, Muskogee, OK, with Pastor Kelly Payne, eulogizing.  The family chose cremation for Rita G. Oakley.

MASK ARE REQUIRED AT ALL SERVICES

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee.