Rita Ladon Shepard

Rita LaDon Hargus was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on August 10, 1947, to Deb Hargus and Anne Horton Hargus. She grew up in Cement, Oklahoma, and spent the majority of her life in the community she loved.
On July 15, 1963, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Rita married the love of her life, Bobby Ray Shepard. Together they built a beautiful life and celebrated 62 years of marriage. Two years after their wedding, they welcomed their first daughter, Karen Reana Shepard, followed by their youngest daughter, Shelley Dawn Shepard.
Rita is survived by her devoted husband, Bobby of Cement, Oklahoma; her brothers Kenneth Hargus of Chickasha, Oklahoma, John Hargus of Cement, Oklahoma, and Mark and Donna Hargus of Cement, Oklahoma; her sister Carol and Jerry Floyd of Norman, Oklahoma; and her daughters Karen of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Shelley and her husband Steve Pelzer of Cyril, Oklahoma.
She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jeffery and Shelbie Walker of Cyril, Oklahoma; Whitnee and Kasey Crowder of Choctaw, Oklahoma; Amber and Dylan Martin of Fletcher, Oklahoma; Derrelyn and Devlin Lamb of Moore, Oklahoma; and Weston and Tristin Pelzer of Chickasha, Oklahoma. Rita deeply loved her seven great-grandchildren and her numerous nieces and nephews.
For more than 30 years, Rita faithfully served at Grady Memorial Hospital as a dietary aide, where her kindness, cheerful presence, and compassion touched countless lives.
Outside of work, Rita was an avid Elvis Presley fan, she loved to shop, and she was well known for her signature bling-sparkles that perfectly matched her vibrant, spirited personality.
Above all else, Rita will be remembered for her unwavering faith and the devoted way she lived her life for Christ. She approached each day with grace, compassion, and a heart dedicated to serving others. Her love for God guided every decision she made and every person she touched. Rita's quiet strength and steadfast belief were evident not only in her words, but in the way she lived-always offering kindness, encouragement, and a gentle reminder of God's love.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Her joyful spirit, strong faith, and loving heart will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.