Seferita “Rita” J. Dent began her heavenly journey
June 15, 2020 at Integris Baptist Hospital in
Edmond, OK. She was born June 14, 1936 to Terrecino
and Reyesita B Jiron in Taos, New Mexico.
Rita was an enrolled full blood Taos Pueblo tribal
member. She was fluent in her Pueblo language and
spoke with passion when she participated in the
Native American Church. On December 31, 1958 she
married Joseph A. Dent and had enjoyed 58 years of
marriage before Joe’s passing in 2017. Joe and Rita
had made their home in Red Rock, OK for many years.
Aside from working various jobs through out her
lifetime, she was a wonderful seamstress, making
beautiful regalia for many individuals along with
other native items. She loved cooking, watching
sports, playing bingo and she enjoyed going to Pow
Wows around Oklahoma. She was a good, kind and
compassionate person who will be missed by many.
Rita is survived by her children; sons, Ralph,
Anthony, Lewis Dent all of Red Rock, daughter,
Shanell Dent of Ponca City, sister, Marie Jiron
Padilla and brother Paul Jiron of Taos, New Mexico,
aunt Elsie Apachito of Taos, New Mexico, as well as
15 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, along with
numerous extended nephews, nieces, grandchildren,
adopted daughter’s and son’s all from Taos, New
Mexico and Oklahoma and her extended in law
families.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph
Dent, daughters, Treva Louise Dent, Sonja Renee
Dent, son, Calvin Wayne Dent, parents, Terrecino and
Reyesita Jiron, brothers, Jerry Jiron, Sam Jiron,
Tony Jiron and Joseph Jiron and sister, Lucy Jiron
Zamorra.
Rita’s family and friends are welcome to pay their
final respects and sign her register book from 10am
to 4pm on Thursday, June 18th, and on Friday, June
19th from 10am to 1pm at Grace Memorial Chapel.
There will be a procession from the funeral home to
Rita’s place of rest at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal
Cemetery. The Graveside Service in her honor will
begin at 2pm with Oliver Littlecook presiding.
Rita was truly blessed to have many, many love ones
who shared her life, may she journey well with peace
and a job well done.
