Amy Twila Sue Carpenter Riter, 84, Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, passed away peacefully Friday, August 25, 2023, in the comfort of her home in Owasso, with loved ones at her bedside. Twila battled a brain tumor/cancer for almost 4 years, maintaining grace and dignity, as no one expected less. She's our Rock, our Roots and her legacy will go on for the rest of our lives.
Twila was born Thursday, June 29, 1939, to Kenneth Carpenter and Minnie Mae (Terrell) in White Oak, OK. She attended Haskell Indian School. Twila married the love of her life, Carl Paul Riter, Sr. and they almost celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary when she lost him in 1983. They lived in Durant, OK, then later moved to Tulsa to raise their three daughters and one son.
Twila was the Strongest Woman we will all ever know. Losing her husband, at an early age, she had to carry on raising her kids. "The roots that mom had to plant, and bear, has been her strongest legacy." She was smart, giving, funny, always happy and smiling, loved company from all her kids, and kinfolks. Coming from a family with nine siblings and lots and lots of nieces and nephews, she welcomed them all with open arms. Twila loved the casino, holding out for those wins! Going to the casino was her pastime; she also loved to read books. Twila could tell a story like no other, and make you laugh till you cried. She was so creative and could sew and crochet and even played a little piano. Her biggest collection was photos of her family!
Twila worked at a toy factory in Durant, OK before moving to Tulsa, where she was able to become a housewife. She did go back to work for a few years at Bama Pie before working at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa until her illness. She worked at the casino for over 10 years and loved her job so much. She never really got over having to leave the casino because of her tumor.
She is survived by three of her children, Becky Sawyer, spouse, Eric of Broken Arrow, OK, Carl Riter, Jr., spouse, Kay of Skiatook, OK and Traci Ansley, spouse, Marty of Owasso, OK. Her grandchildren, Jeremy Shay of Owasso, Trevor Sawyer, spouse, Jennifer of Tulsa, Allison Sawyer of Skiatook, OK, Lesley Dixson, spouse, Ben of Broken Arrow, OK, Melissa Drennon, spouse, Skylar of Coweta, OK, Kenna Riter, spouse, Chris Dry of Claremore, OK, Jordan Riter of Skiatook, Monica Allen, spouse, Brandon of Shawnee, KS, Mindy Ricketts, spouse Clint of Hot Springs, AR, Rylee Pierce of Sperry, OK, Karlee Wiggs, spouse, Dylan of Fort Riley, KS; great-grandchildren, Jonas Sawyer-Wheeler, Evey Sawyer-Karloski, Salena Dixson, Alita Dixson, Caden Allen, Cooper Allen, Christian Riter-Dry and River Ricketts, Miles Ricketts, Beau Ricketts and Twila's youngest sister, DeAnna Gray of Broken Arrow, OK.
Twila is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters, Shelly Rae Riter, Julie Ann Shay and Wendy Michelle Pierce; brothers, Bill, Matthew, Benjamin, Harley and Willard and sisters, Molly, Jane, and Shirley. For Carpenter Reunion Status, Mom's team name was "Twila's Tribe" and now she moves on to her next camp, "May God Bless".
Video Tribute can be seen online: Twila Riter 1939-2023 youtube.com
Graveside Services: 2:00 PM Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Timpson Chapel Cemetery in Estella, Oklahoma. Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 South Memorial Dr. Tulsa, OK 74112. 918-622-1155.
The Timpson Chapel Cemetery is located beside and behind the Timpson Chapel Church. It is west of Vinita, Oklahom, near the town of Estella, Oklahoma. The Cemetery is about 4 to 5 miles north of the White Oak School in White Oak, Oklahoma. If you check a state map of Oklahoma, you will find that White Oak, Vinita and Estella are all within the boundaries of Craig County.