Nita Motsenbocker's Obituary
Nita Margaret (Riley) King Motsenbocker lived a life marked by intelligence, grit, and wholehearted devotion to the people she loved. Born in Commerce, Texas, to Wilma Ozel Ashworth and Voyd Riley, Nita’s early years were shaped by deep bonds of chosen family. Raised as Nita King by her Wilma and her adoptive father, Sherfield King, alongside her sister Jean Ann and brother Billy King, she grew up in Oklahoma City but always carried with her the rootedness of her Texas beginnings. Her maternal grandfather, John Townsend Ashworth, a prominent businessman in Commerce, was a guiding influence who awakened in Nita a sense of confidence, capacity, and presence that remained with her throughout her life.
A sharp mind and a natural leader, Nita was an exceptional student and a woman who lived intentionally. On her 17th birthday, she met the love of her life, Ray Motsenbocker. They married the following year and built a dynamic life together—a life of movement, adaptability, and steady love. Their journey took them across the country—Oklahoma City; Trenton, MO; Lawrenceburg, TN; Lima, OH; Sioux City, IA; New Orleans, Tulsa, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and some locales several times—each relocation shaped by Ray’s career and Nita’s unwavering dedication to creating a welcoming, stable and comforting home. With every new city, she brought beauty, structure, and a nurturing presence that helped her children, Linda and Alan, grow in confidence and resilience.
Though her era often limited women’s professional roles, Nita found ways to bring her sharp business sense into the world beyond her family. Her prior work record at Ford Motor Company in Oklahoma City made her a sought-after employee within Ford. Whether working part-time on contingency with Ford Motor Company in New Orleans (which meant she worked when she wanted to work) or as a PTA member, Home-Room Mother and party planner for her children’s school parties and birthday parties, Nita modeled what it meant to be both present and empowered. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and sense of duty were evident in every realm she touched—home, friendships, work and community.
Nita had a gift for connection. She was a social architect, effortlessly drawing people together and forging bonds across generations and geographies. An accomplished bridge player, she used the game not only to sharpen her mind but also to build enduring friendships—especially with her dear friend Virginia. Even into her 90s, she remained an integral part of her social circles.
Her fierce love showed up most powerfully in her family life. As a mother and grandmother, Nita was consistent, affectionate, strategic and wise. Known to her grandchildren as “Memom,” she was always within reach—a lap to curl into, her famous chocolate cake with chocolate icing, initiator of large family trips together. She was the kind of grandmother who showed up—carrying a grandson’s sled up to the top of the waterpark slide even though he was old enough to carry it himself, smile on her face and constant laughter—saying yes and ready to make a memory. As a Mother-in-Law she extended herself to always make Anne and Joe feel welcomed and wanted in the family. She taught through presence and modeled a life of integrity and strength.
Nita was deeply attuned to the needs and rhythms of others. She continued reflecting on her life experiences and delighting in her family’s stories even as she aged. Her legacy is one of deep love and fierce loyalty, of intellect and intuition, of resilience and devotion.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Keith Motsenbocker. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Harrison, and her husband, Dr. Joe Harrison; her son, Alan Motsenbocker, and his wife, Anne Motsenbocker; her four grandchildren, Timothy Honker (Carrie), Daniel Honker (Kristen), Brian Motsenbocker (Jordan), and David Motsenbocker; and her great-grandchildren, Emma and Ian Honker, and Camille Motsenbocker.
Nita’s story is one of depth, dignity, and fierce love. She leaves behind a family that is stronger, wiser, and more grounded because she lived. And for that, we give thanks.
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