Funeral services for Nita R. Giles, 68, of Oklahoma City, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 in the First Presbyterian Church of Chickasha with Reverend Pat Kennedy officiating.
Nita R. Giles, only daughter of Ray A. Giles and Mary R. Giles was born July 19, 1949 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. After a long battle with cancer, she died Sunday, October 29, 2017 at her home in Oklahoma City.
Nita grew up on a farm northwest of Chickasha and attended Chickasha Public Schools graduating in 1967 as Valedictorian.
She attended Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. She then attended University of Oklahoma Law School graduating with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1974. In the summer of 1971 through 1973, Ms. Giles served as a law clerk and legal intern in the State Attorney General’s office. She also served as a part-time law clerk for Judge Hez Bussey at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals drafting judicial opinion for the court from June 1974 through February 1977. During this time she also performed part-time consulting at the Department of Human Services overseeing the collection of child support, federal litigation, and collection for third party liability of Medicaid funds.
Ms. Giles served as an assistant regional attorney from February 1977 through June 1978 for the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHEW) in Dallas, Texas, and returned to Oklahoma City in June 1978 through 1979 as a staff attorney for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
In September 1979 through December 1981, Ms. Giles was on federal contract with Washington D.C. and the regional office for Child Support Enforcement, assisting nationwide on various projects and contracted with the Oklahoma District Attorney for collection and enforcement of child support. From October 1981 through June 1982 she consulted with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in child support area and certain activities in Oklahoma Teaching Hospitals.
Ms. Giles opened her own law practice in July 1982 specializing in long-term care and other health care law until April 2011. During this time, she was also a partner with two nursing homes in the Oklahoma City area, retiring in October 2011. A leader in staff development and education, she continued to mentor and encourage others to develop skills and confidence in their chosen fields.
An amazing cook, baker, and friend to many, Nita often entertained in her outdoor kitchen and grilling area, sharing her original BBQ sauce, smoked meats and specialty dishes as well as signature cakes, pie and candies. Nita’s “Smokin’ Sampler” was featured in the Edmond Monthly Magazine in September 2010, and showcased her mixed grill and original rubs.
A talented pianist, Nita also enjoyed playing the organ.
Johnny Shults was very special in her life, he was like a son to her and she often introduced him as such. His wife, Jessica and daughter, Kenzie added to the special relationship.
Nita was a long time affiliate of the First Presbyterian Church, as well as a supporter of USAO college in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Giles, May 30, 1995 and by her mother, Mary Giles, May 5, 1998.
She was surrounded by very close friends who loved her and assisted in her care and watched over her in her final years, David and Mary Etta Jafek of Stillwater, and Dr. Walter and Hilary Pipkin of Oklahoma City; wonderful neighbors, Hal and Joyce Silvernail of Oklahoma City; Jo and Harold Matthews of Tulsa. Special thanks to Dr. Kerry Cranmer, Beverly Jerden, Densie Goodreau, Pam Queen, and caregivers, Rosa Silva and Maria Silva.
Interment in Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha, Oklahoma will be under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.