Robert Gary Rix

Robert "Gary" Rix, 82, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, went home to be with Jesus on January 12 in Bartlesville. Born June 1, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, Gary's life was anchored in the gospel of Jesus Christ-the good news that "by grace you have been saved through faith" and that all who trust in Christ are forgiven, made new, and given eternal life. While his family grieves his passing, they do so with confident hope, knowing that Gary is now in the presence of his Savior.

Gary was the beloved husband of Janet for 58 years, a devoted father and papa, and a faithful friend and leader to many. He earned a master's degree in Accounting and Finance from Colorado State University and began his career with Phillips 66, where he worked for nearly 30 years. He later worked at WorldCom and the City of Owasso, and for several years he taught finance classes at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. In every role, Gary sought to live with integrity and to serve others as an act of worship to the Lord.

Gary and Janet were founding members of Bartlesville K-Life and Grace Community Church. Gary loved gardening, fishing, reading a good book, and drinking hot coffee all day long. He also enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they worked. But his greatest passion was God's Word and the discipleship of others. He faithfully led small-group Bible studies, met regularly with friends for lunch over the years, and cherished close friendships-including his dear "Flippin, Arkansas" friends. Gary's steady encouragement and love for Scripture pointed many to Christ and helped strengthen believers in their walk with Him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Rix and Helene Rix. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his son, Robert Grant Rix, and wife, Amanda; his daughter, Laura Charmagne Rix; his grandchildren, Emma Noel Johnson, Carter James Robertson, Hope Elizabeth Robertson, Robert Gavin Rix, Elijah Reed Robertson, and Faith Danielle Rix; his sister, Maryanne Patterson; and his brother, Robert Michael Rix.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to B the Light Mission in Bartlesville. The family's comfort is found in God's promises: that "to be absent from the body" is to be "at home with the Lord," and that because Jesus lives, all who belong to Him will also live-forever.