Rita Faye (Gilbert) Abernathy of Wagoner, Oklahoma transitioned on Friday, June 29, 2018.  She was saved and believed that Jesus Christ died on the cross and was raised on the third day for all our sins.

Rita was the daughter of the late Carl Gilbert and Rosa Lee Wynn born January 24, 1955 in Hobart, Oklahoma.  She was married to Larry Gene Abernathy on November 14, 1977 in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Rita graduated from Wagoner High School in 1973.  After graduating she worked at Wagoner Community Action Headstart from 1974-1976. She moved on to work at Wagoner Community Hospital from 1976-1993 as a Nurse's Aid as well as a multitude of other occupations at the hospital.  Later in life she worked at Western Hills Lodge as a receptionist and secretary.  She worked as a Habilitation Training Specialist for adults with special needs for many years.  She also worked for Wagoner Public Schools as a Paraprofessional before retiring in 2013.  And, she worked for the Wagoner County Election Board for 46 years as a dedicated civil servant.

Rita was involved with the Oklahoma Eastern Stars, Hiram of Jericho, Golden Circle 32nd Degree which is affiliated with the Prince Hall Masonic Lodges.  She was an Ambassador of the Wagoner Chamber of Commerce.  And, she was a member of the Sassy Lassies of the Wagoner Red Hat Chapter 48829.

Rita is predeceased by her parents: Carl Gilbert and Rosa Lee Wynn, and four siblings: Orlando Smiles, LaSondra Grant, Cecil Wynn, Rebecca Grant.  She is survived by her husband, Larry Abernathy; two daughters: Tiffany (Abernathy) Freeman and husband Mario Freeman, Sr. of Broken Arrow, OK, Ta Lara Abernathy of Wagoner, OK; one step-daughter: Annecha Cowens of Wagoner, OK; grandchildren: Mario Freeman, Jr., Mason Freeman, Juliette Freeman, Amani Tucker, and two grand dogs: Zoe and Taz; four siblings: Relda Grant, Delbert Grant, Lonnetta Smiles, and Bradford Stephenson (Valerie); and a host of nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed singing in the church, fashion, modeling, dancing, reading, and making others laugh.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. at Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory in Wagoner.  The Funeral Service celebrating Rita's life will be on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11 am at the Wagoner Performing Arts Center, 300 Bulldog Circle.