Mary Ruth Niblett

Mary Ruth Niblett, age 71, of Kingston, Oklahoma, departed this world peacefully on August 13, 2026, after a life filled with Faith, Love, and Family. Mary Ruth Novitsky was welcomed into this world on August 16, 1954, by her parents, John and Judy Novitsky, and her brother, Michael Novitsky. She attended Steed Elementary School, Monroney Middle School, and Midwest City High School, all in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

From an early age, Mary found a passion for dance and grew up working alongside her mother at the family dance studio before opening her own — first in Davis, Oklahoma, and later in Pauls Valley.

Mary went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Physical Education/Health from Central State University, followed by a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from East Central University. She began her teaching career at Joy School, teaching physical education along with third and fourth grades, and lending her talents to music programs and choreography at every school she worked with — and many where she didn't. She later taught Pre-K at Wynnewood Public Schools and Elmore City Public Schools, and even after retiring, she kept sharing her love of children and learning as a volunteer at Madill Public Schools.

Mary met the love of her life, Tillman Niblett, at a dance, and the two married on May 17, 1975. They made their first home in El Reno, then Wynnewood, before settling for many years in Hennepin, Oklahoma, where she raised her four children. After 36 years of marriage and the passing of her husband, Mary moved to Madill and later settled in Kingston, Oklahoma.

Mary's love for animals was every bit as boundless as her love for people. She brought home stray dogs and cats, bottle-fed wild hog babies, raised a motherless skunk as her own, and helped tend the pigs and horses her family kept over the years. Her English Mastiff, Bo, learned tricks from an early age — a performance she loved sharing with anyone who'd watch.

If you knew Mary, you knew her favorite colors were hot pink and turquoise, and that more was always better. She was a natural-born gift giver, always finding thoughtful ways to brighten someone’s day—a card to let a friend know they were on her mind, a swing set for the neighbors to enjoy over morning coffee, or, most especially, a handmade craft created from the collection of nicknacks she had around her house. She had a gift for taking the ordinary and turning it into something meaningful, putting a little piece of her heart into everything she made and gave. For Mary, giving was never about the gift itself; it was about making someone feel remembered, loved, and special.

Above all, Mary had a heart full of love —for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for her family, her friends, and her church. She began each day with a cup of coffee and quiet time with God. Her devoted faith and prayers led numerous others to the Lord as well. She was more than a teacher, dance instructor, or cheer coach—she was a mentor, an encourager, and a source of love and joy to so many. She shared her time, her heart, and her kindness generously, always finding happiness in making someone else’s life a little brighter. Her love, generosity, unwavering faith, and joyful spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know her.

Mary will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children: MiLann and Cameron Graham, Amanda and Kevin Venton, Laura Beth and Tillman Niblett II, and MiRanda Conway; her stepchildren: Nancy and Tony Pickett, Michael and Kathey Niblett, Chuck Pirtle, Tammy and Cary Roberts, and Rick Miller; her grandchildren: DyLann Graham, Brayden Niblett, Kaydence Garcia, Kynzlee Venton, Maya Venton, Dean Venton, Quinn Venton, Paisley Macon, Sawyer Macon, Ayden Montgomery, and Brysen Conway, along with more than 16 additional cherished grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Debbie Novitsky; her niece, Mikala Novitsky; numerous cousins, other family, and friends; and her beloved dog, Romeo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tillman Niblett; her father, John Novitsky; her mother, Judy Novitsky Jordan; her brother, Michael Novitsky; her stepfather, Richard Jordan; her granddaughter, Lauren Pickett; and her beloved dog, Bo.

Mary's life was one of love, faith, family, teaching, dancing, giving, and caring for others. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, students, and all those whose lives she touched.

She will be loved, remembered, and missed until the day we meet again.

Casket Bearers: Tillman Niblett, Brayden Niblett, Kevin Venton, Ayden Montgomery, John Bryant, Terry Burchfield, Sawyer Macon and Brysen Conway

Honorary Bearers: Pat Hays, Cameron Graham