Rita Harjo-Phelps

Rita Harjo-Phelps, 50 year-old, lifelong Maud, Oklahoma resident passed from this life Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  She was born December 18, 1961 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to parents Jonases “Smokey” Harjo and Mary Ellen (Scott) Harjo. Rita attended Maud Schools graduating from Maud High School in 1980. Rita was a member of Rock Spring Indian Baptist Church and a proud member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. In 2003 Rita married David Harris in Van Buren, Arkansas. Survivors include her husband, David Harris of the home; two sons, Joshua Phelps of Maud, Oklahoma, Jeremiah Harjo of Staten Island, New York; three brothers, Leon Harjo, Randy Harjo and Albert Curley all of Maud, Oklahoma; four sisters, Joanna Harjo-Gentry and her husband Curtis of Asher, Oklahoma, Jeannette Harjo-Codd and her husband George of Staten Island, New York, Toni Harjo of Maud, Oklahoma and Tiffany Harjo of Blackwell, Oklahoma; 7 nephews, Jacob Harjo, Keelan Paschal, Christian Harjo, Hunter Codd, Androu Parker, Nicholas Parker and Michael Curley; 6 nieces, Elizabeth Paschal, Lia Harjo, Ashton Parker, Andrea Parker, Keera Barber and Darla Curley; three uncles, Ray Scott of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jimmy Dale Scott of Weatherford, Texas and Jack Scott of Burleson, Texas; and a host of other family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Jonases “Smokey” Harjo; by her mother, Mary Harjo; by two sisters, Rosie Harjo and Kathie Harjo-Hurst; and by her grandfather, Lee Harjo. Everyone loved Rita and she loved those Sooners! Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Church of Christ in Maud, Oklahoma with Rev. Jimsey Harjo and Rev. Houston Tiger officiating the service. Rita will be taken to the home (317 W. Ash in Maud) at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 4, 2012.  She will be taken to the Maud Church of Christ on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. for a wake to be held that evening. Casket Bearers will be: Sonny Turnbow, Albert Curley, Chuddo Williams, Christian Harjo, Josh Blankenship and Hugh Dean Megee. Honorary Bearers will be: George Codd, Hunter Codd, Eric Powell, Bubba Watson and Sandy Williams. Funeral services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.   Funeral Information: August 7, 2012, 2:00 PM