A memorial service for Rita Darlene Hair will be held by the family on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Chickasha, Oklahoma, with Reverend Steve Ruby officiating.
Rita Darlene Hair was born July 10, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to William Albert Hair and Almeda Lovina (Hively) Hair. She passed from this life on Monday, November 7, 2022, in Ada, Oklahoma.
Rita moved to Dallas, Texas, at age two and lived in Texas until the age of thirteen. In 1971, she graduated from Chickasha High School where she loved vocal music and home economics. She attended Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University) and graduated in 1975 with bachelor’s degrees in Home Economics and Psychology. After many years employed as assistant manager of Humpty Dumpty Super Market, she became the manager of Ivy Threads computer-assisted embroidery and gift shop. She was co-owner of Bright Beginnings Day Care Center and was employed by Washita Valley Early Head Start in diet and nutrition.
Rita was a dedicated Christian and a life-long member of The Church of the Nazarene where she was actively involved in service. She taught children in Sunday School, Children’s Church and Vacation Bible School, served on the Church Board, and sang in the choir and the worship team. She also volunteered with a church rescue team that provided home repairs following a major hurricane on the Gulf Coast. She enjoyed preparing food and helping with every church dinner and special event. She was devoted to her church friends and was loved by the congregation.
Rita selflessly attended to the needs of others. She helped with household chores, delivered medicine, provided transportation, and ran errands for friends and family members as needed. She became the guardian for six children following the death of their grandmother, providing a loving home and never allowing limited resources to keep them from full lives which included sports, band, and church activities for each of “her kids.” She often provided food and temporary housing to friends in need.
Rita was preceded in death by her mother, Almeda Hair, and brother-in-law, Mark Dixon.
Survivors include her father, Al Hair of Chickasha; her sisters, Marcia Hair of Chickasha; Deena Jenkins and husband Joe of Ada, Oklahoma; and Patti Dixon of Cleveland, Georgia; “her kids,” Isabella, Marcia, Sonia, Maria, Rita, and Marco; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends.
Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.