Rita Jo Denton - Malone

Rita Jo (Denton) Malone

Rita Jo (Denton) Malone was born on December 19, 1947, in Laverne, Oklahoma, to Robert and Georgia Estelle “Trixie” Denton. She passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

Rita spent most of her life in Buffalo, Oklahoma, where she attended Buffalo Public Schools and was a proud member of the Class of 1966. Buffalo was the place she called home and where she built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Rita’s greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was being a mother. She lovingly raised five children: Tisha (Mussman) Burnside, Brad Mussman, Rodney Mussman, Jeff Mussman, and Georganna (Wilson) Buss. Affectionately known as “Momma Rita,” she opened her heart and home not only to her own children but also to many of their friends. Even when money was tight, there was always room at her table and enough food to feed one more.

Rita was known for her incredible work ethic and unwavering determination. She never shied away from hard work and often held two or even three jobs at a time to provide for her family. Yet despite working so hard, she rarely missed the moments that mattered most. She made it a priority to be at her children’s school activities, cheering them on every chance she could. She loved watching her boys compete in sports and, with her signature smile and playful sense of humor, would proudly tell anyone who would listen that she was the reason they were such great athletes. She also treasured helping her girls prepare for pageants, delighting in shopping for the perfect dresses and watching them shine on stage. No matter the activity, if her children were involved, she wanted to be there.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Rita openly shared her love for the Lord and faithfully taught her children the importance of prayer and trusting God. More than anything, she wanted her family to know and love Jesus as she did. Her faith remained a constant source of hope and strength throughout her life.

Rita also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. She loved music and could rarely resist the chance to dance. Whether it was a favorite song playing or a family gathering, dancing brought her joy and reflected her fun-loving spirit. She also had a passion for collecting antiques and unique treasures, always finding beauty and history in the things she brought home. Her collections reflected her appreciation for the past and the stories each piece held.

An exceptional cook, Rita poured her love into every meal she prepared. Many of the recipes she lovingly made for her family continue to be passed down and enjoyed today. Her generosity extended well beyond her own home. When her children were young, their friends always knew they could count on a meal at Momma Rita’s house. Years later, she continued that tradition by preparing her famous chicken and noodles for her grandchildren’s sports teams in Buffalo. To Rita, feeding people was one of the purest ways to show love. If you left Momma Rita’s house hungry, it was probably because you left too soon.

Although all of her children eventually made homes in different towns and states, Rita was adamant that everyone come home at least a couple of times each year to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s, and the Fourth of July together. In Momma Rita’s eyes, attendance wasn’t optional—it was simply what family did. Those gatherings became treasured traditions filled with laughter, stories, and memories that her family will cherish forever.

Her favorite part of those celebrations was the singing. Whether it was Christmas carols around the holidays, Johnny Cash classics, or old gospel hymns, Rita could always be found smiling as the voices of her children and grandchildren filled the room. Those moments brought her immense joy and reflected the love she had for her family. Long after the songs have ended, those memories will continue to echo in the hearts of those she loved.

Family meant everything to Rita. Even after the passing of many of her siblings, she remained close to her nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, cherishing those relationships through the years.

Rita is survived by her children: Tisha Burnside of Weatherford, Oklahoma; Brad Mussman of Buffalo, Oklahoma; Rodney Mussman and wife, Becky, of Rowlett, Texas; Jeff Mussman and wife, Melody, of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Georganna Buss and husband, Jeff, of Weatherford, Oklahoma; her beloved grandchildren: Bradley, Courtney, Austin, Kimberly, Randall, Dillon, Kendra, Josey, Zachary, Blake, Macey, Greyson, and Katey; 17 cherished great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Ronnie Duble; and numerous nieces, nephews, special cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Georgia Estelle “Trixie” Denton; her husband, Gary Ladd; her son-in-law, Kirk Burnside; her brothers, Bobbie Denton and Carl “Bud” Denton; and her sisters, Betty Martin, Billy Barton, Bonnie Denton, Clara Duble, and Mary Snider.

Rita’s story wasn’t always easy, but it was filled with perseverance, faith, laughter, music, and an unwavering love for her family. She taught those she loved to work hard, pray often, and never lose sight of what mattered most. She believed that family should always come home to one another, and because of her, they will.

Every Christmas gathering, every Fourth of July celebration, every old hymn, every Johnny Cash song, every family meal, and every bowl of chicken and noodles will carry a piece of Momma Rita with it. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will continue to bind her family together—the way she always intended. Her legacy of faith, strength, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love will live on for generations to come.