Rita Mae Younker passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021, at the Redbud Village in Plainville, KS, at the age of 84.
She was born on September
15, 1936, to George and Genevieve (Meis) Merklinger in Park, KS. Rita was
united in marriage to Clarence Younker on May 21, 1955 and they were
blessed with 3 children: Doug, Jenny, and Mindi.
Rita grew up in Ellis County where she completed grade school. She
met and married Clarence Younker and the couple moved to Plainville in
1956 where they spent the rest of their lives. Rita centered her life
around taking care of not only her own children, but others as well. She
treated all her daycare kids as if they were her own. She stayed busy
chasing her kids or someone else’s kids and all while dispatching for
her husband’s Oil Company, C & L Oil Service. If she caught some
time for herself, she was talented at sewing and even made some of her
kids’ clothes and helped make ties for Ties By Libby. She was the most
patient, kind, and gentle woman. She was a shining example of “loving
thy neighbor” and living her life for the Lord. Rita was highly involved
with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, assisting with any of the
functions the church put on. She was a member of Women’s Guild, and at
one time worked in the cafeteria for the Sacred Heart Grade School.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Doug Younker, Jenny
Younker, and Mindi (Craig) Wise all of Plainville; sister-in-law Bonnie
Merklinger of Plainville; and three grandchildren, Colton (Jaci) Wise,
Kristen Wise (Blake Fritts), and Ashley Wise.
She joins in Heaven her parents, George and Genevieve Merklinger;
husband Clarence Younker; and brothers, Elmer (Betty) Merklinger and
Robert “Bob” Merklinger.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021
at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial
will follow at the St. Catharina Cemetery in Catherine, KS at 2 PM. A
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 PM until
8 PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may
be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St.,
Plainville, KS 67663.