Obituary for Seferita “Rita” Dent

Ponca City Now - June 17, 2020 5:06 pm

Seferita “Rita” (Jiron) Dent

June 14, 1936 ~ June 15, 2020 (age 84)

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 numerus 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 precession 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.