Rita Rae Byfield

Rita Rae (Nichols) Byfield, 74, of Bartlesville, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Rita was born the daughter of Billy Rae and Beverly Ann (Loper) Nichols on March 30, 1950, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She was raised in the area, graduating from College High in 1968.
Rita's life journey began in Bartlesville, attending Horace Mann and McKinley elementary schools, continuing through Central Middle School, and culminating in her graduation from College High. Her early years were marked by a vibrant spirit, evident in her participation in the High School Concert Choir and Girl Scouts. A lifelong learner, Rita pursued her passion for nursing with unwavering dedication.
In May 1969, Rita married her childhood sweetheart Michael Byfield at East Bartlesville Christian Church. Their 54-year love story was a testament to enduring devotion, but was tragically interrupted by Michael's passing in November 2023. Together, they raised a loving family, welcoming their children; Sean (1971), Kristi (1974), and Katee (1980).
Her academic achievements were extensive, reflecting her commitment to excellence. She earned an Associate in Nursing (RN) from Tulsa Junior College, a Master of Education (MEd) from the University of Central Oklahoma, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and certifications as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) along with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from Pittsburg State University. She was a proud alumni of both UCO and Pitt State, including a member of Sigma Tau and Kappa Delta.
Rita's professional life was characterized by compassionate care and a passion for education. She served as an Operating Room Nurse in Tulsa and Bartlesville, and later as an APRN/FNP at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in Kansas from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. She shared her experience and expertise in Nursing as a respected Nursing Professor at Tri County Technology Center, then later at Southern Nazarene University, Oklahoma Wesleyan College, and Rogers State University, shaping the next generation of nurses.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rita was a dedicated community servant to the Bartlesville area. She embraced her roles as a Ballet mom, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Homeroom Grandma, and BBOB Supporter/Vice President. Her commitment to service extended to numerous organizations, including the Daughters of Union Veterans, Certified Nurse Operating Room District Delegate, Leadership Bartlesville Class XXI, and the National Education Committee AORN. She was recognized as a past New Professional of the Year in Vocational Education, and was a previous member of OVA, ONA, OEA, and AANP (all in Nursing). Rita also served as a docent at the Dewey Hotel and volunteered at the Hope Clinic.
As a woman of deep faith, Rita was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, where she shared her beautiful voice in the choir. Her heart overflowed with love for her family, as she was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother. Her genuine kindness and nurturing spirit earned her the affection of many, who called her "Mom." Rita's loving presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rita will live on through her children: Michael Sean Byfield and Jennifer Fields, Kristi Leigh Byfield and Ben Davies, and Kathleen Elisa Byfield and Michael Kern; her grandchildren: Michael Lukas Byfield, Gray Byfield-Davies, and Eva Byfield-Davies; her siblings: Patsy and Chuck Moore, Frank and Debbie Dungan, and Jerry and Sonya Dungan; and as a legacy through other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Byfield; her aunt, Florence Lacey; her grandmother, Edna Lacey; her parents; and her adopted mother, Jeanne Dungan.
Rita's family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3rd from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Her memorial book will be available for signing on Thursday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m.-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a go fund me page has been set up to help her family at http://gofund.me/b171e6b2
Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 4th at 2 p.m., at the Ball "Outlaws Cemetery," with officiant Rev. Wade Daniel. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.