Rita Joyce Moskowitz

Rita Joyce Moskowitz was born on August 31st, 1928 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Celia and Sam Schlesinger. She passed away peacefully at sunset in Oklahoma City on Friday, September 5th. She was raised in a multi-generational household by her Russian immigrant grandparents, Bessie and Morris Granoff, and her extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. She loved music, tap-dancing, and was known to her family as the Shirley Temple of Little Rock, Arkansas. On October 28, 1951, Rita married Frank Moskowitz, a native Tulsan, then working at his family furniture business. Together, they raised three children. In 1960, she encouraged Frank to follow his dream and establish what became Moskowitz Reality Company, where she worked by his side for over thirty years. Rita was appointed by the Governor to the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, the only woman then serving. Rita created numerous businesses in Tulsa, including River Lanes Bowling Center. Rita had a lifelong passion for social justice. In the 1960s, she was active in the civil rights movement and helped integrate a downtown Tulsa restaurant. In following decades, she served on the Community Relations Council, organized the Feminization of Poverty Conference, and participated in the Million Mom March. She was also known for her frequent letters to the editor and, later, her online activism. She built her dream house and made it the center of activity, welcoming family and friends for holiday feasts, tennis games, and pool parties. Rita and Frank loved to travel anywhere there was sunshine or gambling. Frank enjoyed the relaxation; Rita loved discovering other cultures and learning. Rita lovingly cared for Frank, who was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease for the final decade of his life. The last chapter of Rita’s life began after she suffered a stroke just before her 83rd birthday. Over the next three years, Team Moskowitz/Price provided love and support as she recovered and made the move to Oklahoma City. Rita was blessed with new friendships and delighted in the simple pleasures of life – wearing colorful scarves, eating crispy waffles and dancing to live swing music on Saturday afternoons. Despite the challenges of an aging body, Rita’s passion for life and laughter shined through and touched everyone she met. Last week, she reflected that her proudest accomplishment of all was her three children.

The family deeply appreciates and thanks the medical and rehabilitation teams in Tulsa and OKC and the caregivers at Epworth Villa, Tuscany, Unity Health and the Mansion at Waterford for their care and kindness.

Daughter Marcy Price and husband Louis, daughter Shelley and partner David Mackoff, son Mitch and spouse Bob Roberts, and grandsons Eric and Adam Price who were her pride and joy, as well as stepbrothers, Craig and Brent Schlesinger. A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 11:00AM at Temple B’Nai Israel, 4901 North Pennsylvania, followed by a graveside ceremony at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple B’nai Israel in Oklahoma City, Temple Israel in Tulsa, the Yiddish Book Center, or the social justice organization of your choice.

She was our feisty Yiddishe Mama.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.