Rita Gail Hughes

Rita Gail Hughes, 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away November 8, 2023 in Chickasha. Rita was born on August 13, 1947 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to parents Neuil Harling Stewart and Ivory Estelene (Carter) Stewart. Rita graduated highschool in 1965 from Bradley, Oklahoma, where she was active as a cheerleader, participated in FHA, and often took a leadership role in both her studies and among her peers; achieving Dean's Honor Roll. Rita met Jimmy Charles Hughes, Sr., and they were married August 19, 1968 in Wichita Falls, TX. Rita and her growing family attended the Church of Christ in Ninnekah, Oklahoma for several years.  After graduating from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1993, Rita served as a loan officer for Superior Bank, now Arvest Bank, until 2013 before retiring. Rita was a loving "Nina", who enjoyed spending time with her family, collecting elephants and reading books. Rita is remembered for being a very good big sister to her younger siblings and always looking after them while growing up.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Neuil and Ivory Estelene Stewart, husband Jimmy Hughes Sr., brother Ronnie Stewart (Suzi), and great-granddaughter Keira Hughes. She is survived by her sister Diane Barrington (Blanchard), brother Jim and Ada Stewart (Chickasha), brother Dave and Lisa Stewart (Union City), sister-in-law Suzi Stewart (Chickasha), sons Jimmy and Melanie Hughes (Edmond), Travis Hughes (Edmond), daughters Lynne Hughes (Chickasha) and Deanne and Thome Cook (Norman). Rita will be missed by her grandchildren Ashley and Kenneth Keaton (Verden), Morgan and Jeffrey Lippincott (Dallas), Sydney and Daniel Woods (Edmond), Haley Barry (Oklahoma City), Keri and Jeff Ash (Yukon), Riley Hughes (Edmond), great-grandchildren Karter and Channing Keaton, Eliza Barry, Raquel and Alaina Ash, Chance and August Woods, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, November 13, 2023 in the Alex Cemetery . Family and friends are invited to attend.

Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.