Obituary
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1934
2012
Rita Kathryn Copeland Matthews, much loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on December 26, 2012. Always the cheerful giver, Rita brightened many lives through active prayer and service to her community. In almost every case, her help to those around her was quiet and unheralded. With a keen ability to see and bring out the good in people, she graciously uplifted the lives of all that sought her prayerful support. She is survived by her husband, two sons and their spouses, nine grandchildren, and many more loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Copeland and Evelyn Burkett Copeland, and her sister, Donna Copeland Lough.
Born in Idabel, Oklahoma, on September 13, 1934, Rita spent her early years in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and her high school years in Aberdeen, Washington. While attending Oklahoma A&M College in 1953, she met her future husband, Paul W. Matthews, on a blind date. Married in 1955, they raised two sons – Douglas, a certified public accountant in St. Louis, Missouri, and David, a venture capitalist in Dallas, Texas. Douglas is married to Judy Weatherford Matthews and has six children. David is married to Laurie Wyly Matthews and has three children.
Rita was a past president of the Oklahoma City Kappa Delta Alumna and was awarded with Kappa Delta's highest national honor, the Emerald Award, for outstanding service to the sorority, including her effort to create, fund, and operate the Bear Pal program. The Bear Pal program initially provided teddy bears to children affected by the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building in downtown Oklahoma City, and was later expanded to benefit victims of child abuse.
Rita was very active in her church, Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, Oklahoma City, where she served in many capacities during the past thirty-seven years including reader, lecture chairman, Sunday school teacher and superintendent. She was also a full-time Journal listed Christian Science Practitioner for over thirty years.
Memorial Services will be 1pm, Monday, December 31, 2012 at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. Private Burial Services will be held at the Seneca Missouri Cemetery.
"…affection is more than words: it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret…"
Mary Baker Eddy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 14, 2013
Judy Matthews
This is Mom & our son Jackson dancing at his brothers wedding. She will be missed dearly by all of us and not a day goes by without a tear being shed!
January 14, 2013
Judy Matthews
January 8, 2013
Annie Glover
The Glover family in Maryland extends condolences to Paul and the entire Matthew family. I met Rita in the 70's while working with Paul. Remember the scripture: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Be blessed.
January 5, 2013
Jeff Schaeperkoetter
Paul: What a wonderful visit I was able to have with you and Rita in your home and for a nice lunch a year ago or so! I am so grateful that you reached out to my OKC area family, as that opened a door to get to know you and Rita. I knew in that very short time that she was special. So, for my small part of the Lemmel/Miller families back in Missouri, my sincerest condolences.
January 5, 2013
Armando and Diana Gomez
Our love goes out to Paul and the family. Our dear friend will remain in our hearts forever.
January 4, 2013
Nancy Bauer
Aunt Rita was a loving, thoughtful, generous, talented, and intelligent woman. She kept the memory of her sister Donna (my mother) alive in our hearts through her stories, momentos and treasured photos. I am very grateful for her love and will miss her dearly. My heart goes out to my uncle, cousins and the rest of the family.
January 2, 2013
Lisa Blackburn
I am so sad to hear of Rita's passing.
She was much loved and will be missed by many. Her OKC Alumnae Panhellenic sisters will miss her gracious manner and beautiful smile. May God grant you peace as your recall her beauty.--OKC Alumnae Panhellenic President
January 2, 2013
Paul, so sorry to hear about Rita's passing. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Carolyn Stager
January 1, 2013
Jan Locklear
Rita was one of the first client/friends I made when I joined the staff of OKC Friday. She became a steadfast friend, sometimes dropping by the office, as she did just, seemingly a couple of weeks ago... sometimes through email. I loved her dearly and will miss her emails and visits.
December 31, 2012
Brian Maughan
Paul, I'm so sorry for your loss.
December 30, 2012
Nancy Leftwich
Rita was my best friend. Actually, she was everyone's best friend. She was patient, kind and thoughtful and went above and beyond to help people, not only with her prayerful support as a Christian Science Practitioner, but in finding jobs, homes, financial support--whatever was needed. Recently she was instrumental in finding help for a family in Africa who had had their home and two children washed away in a flood. Rita was one of a kind. We will all miss her.
December 30, 2012
Kent McInnis
Rita Matthews was a vibrant, happy friend of both of us. It was always a treat to see the two of you together at those OSU functions and other dinners we shared through the years. She kept her faith throughout her life, which is a tribute to her that is greater than all others. I know you understand our pride in having known such a wonderful lady. May God continue to bless her with a special place in heaven.
Kent & Cheryl McInnis
December 30, 2012
Rita McOmber
Rita was a dearly loved Aunt whom I was named after...I treasure my name because it always keeps her close to my heart. She was so generous and kind and always positive. I will always treasure our memories and time we had together. My thoughts go out to my Uncle and cousins at this challenging time...
December 30, 2012
Ryan Leonard
Paul- I am so blessed to have known Rita. You and your entire family are in my prayers.
December 28, 2012
Michael Smith
I will never forget Rita's kindness and thoughtfullness to me when I was staying with the Cousin Paul and Rita, God bless and give the family Strength in this tough period for all of the family.
December 28, 2012
Suzy Smith
My heart goes out to all of you.
Below is what I sent to the Oklahoma City Kappa Delta's. I am not a writer like Rita was, but it was heartfelt.
"It is with deep sadness I report the death of a true Kappa Delta, Rita Matthews.
One of Rita's dear friends, Nancy Leftwich called me just now and said Paul let her know Rita had died around noon today, 12-26-12.
As you all know Rita had not been well in the last year or so. We were not sure of the ailment. She also has been taking care of Paul (her husband) who had been ill also.
Evidently after Thanksgiving while shopping in Dallas, she fell and was in a Christian Science facility called the Leaves in Dallas for about 10 days.
After coming home she was recuperating well but fell again. Son David came and got them and took back to Dallas and after a period of days determined she should go back to the Leaves.
I may have gotten some of the timeline out of whack but she was in Dallas when she died.
Hahn Cook will be handling the services. Do not have that info yet as they will have to make all the transfer arrangements. I am sure it will be on their website soon or in the paper soon as Paul and Rita had "pre-planned"-what a surprise right-if you knew Rita?
I have been deeply touched and graced by Rita's friendship and kindness' through the years. Bless her and her family in this time."
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Funeral services provided by:
Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116-1298
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