Rita Mae Aytes passed away on January 25th, 2022 in Glenpool, Oklahoma. She was 81 years old. Rita was born on May 23rd, 1940 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to her parents Mary Christine and Charles Emmett Kennedy. After meeting Lawrence Eugene Aytes on a blind date they married on December 23, 1967 and have been together for 54 years. Together they shared three daughters, Kelle Kitchell, Laurie Pettit, and Shelley McNaul; two granddaughters, Leta Pettit and Jessica Kitchell; and great-grandson, Jayden.
Rita came from very humble beginnings and spent her early years in Muskogee, Oklahoma where she graduated from Muskogee High School. Her family lived in the MKT Katy Railroad section houses and she was very proud of her father and uncles that worked for the railroad.
Rita's first job after high school was at Hunt's and then J.C. Penney's Department Stores where she worked in the administration offices. Over the years, she also worked in reception and retail services and was loved by everyone she interacted with. She loved going shopping and getting her favorite coffee drink at Starbucks or Quick Trip (peppermint mocha, extra hot, no whip) and spending time with her family and friends. Rita was a snappy dresser and always looked her best.
Although Rita loved her native Oklahoma, she moved many times with her family to Houston, Amarillo, Dallas, Kenai (Alaska), Seattle, Brea (California), Dallas (again), Tulsa, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Tulsa (again!), Bella Vista (Arkansas), and finally back to Tulsa. But the location didn't matter; she always made it feel like home and there are no words to express how much we will miss her.

There will be services only; no visitation or viewing will be held for Rita. Additionally, in light of Oklahoma's very high covid rate and impacted hospitals, the family would prefer that attendees are vaccinated and masks will be required while inside at the service.

Memorial Service 10:30 AM Saturday, January 29th, 2022 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233