Janet Marie Hines

Janet Marie (Ritter) Hines, a beloved member of the Stillwater community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Born on May 29, 1962, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Francis (Gene) and Fern (Morris) Ritter, Janet lived a life marked by kindness, love, and dedication to family and community.

A graduate of Mulhall-Orlando High School in 1980, Janet devoted much of her career to serving others, working as an administrative assistant for the OSU Library Dean. She retired after 34 years of committed service, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and warmth.

Janet resided in Perry, Oklahoma, until 2002, when she moved to Stillwater, where she remained until her passing. On October 4, 1998, she married Gary Hines in Stillwater, beginning a cherished partnership that lasted until her death.

Known for her kind and loving personality, Janet enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies and interests were many and varied. She found joy in quilting, sewing, and gardening. A keen enthusiast of estate auctions and garage sales, Janet delighted in collecting antiques, particularly Frankoma Pottery, a passion that brought color and history into her life. She was also a member of the First Christian Church in Stillwater, where she found spiritual comfort and fellowship.

Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Hines; three sons, Charles (CJ) Phillips and his wife Summer of Lucien, Oklahoma, Craig Phillips of California, and Garrett Hines of Stillwater, Oklahoma; her mother, Fern (Morris) Ritter and her companion, Charles Ritter of Perry, Oklahoma; her brother, Steve Ritter and his wife Darla of Mulhall, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Levi Phillips of Perry, Oklahoma, and Kelbi Phillips of Enid, Oklahoma; along with one great-grandchild. She is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Greg Hines and his wife Lisa, and Grant Hines and his wife Rena; two sisters-in-law, Brenda Zacharias and her husband Kevin, and Beverly Williams and her husband Duane; and a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss her presence.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, Francis (Gene) Ritter, and Father & Mother in-law, Gilbert and Gay Hines.

The family will hold a viewing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater located at 5106 N Washington St. A visitation with family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow on Thursday, March 19, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, Stillwater.

Janet Marie Hines will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, generous spirit, and the deep love she shared with all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the importance of family, faith, and community. She will be profoundly missed yet forever cherished in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know her.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Cottonwood Community Center in c/o Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, Ok., 74075.