Rita Yarborough

Rita Marie Yarborough, 88, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born Oct. 12, 1926, in Oran, Missouri, to Leo H. and Clara D. Diebold Compas.

At the age of 16 she moved to California to join the Air Defense and proudly became one of the elite Rosie the Riveters. Due to her tiny size, she was an asset for the smaller cockpit area details.

She met her first husband and relocated to Holden, Missouri, followed by moves to Minnesota and Las Vegas. Upon retirement, she returned to Cape Girardeau. She was a member of St. Mary Cathedral.

She was much-loved and admired for her sense of independence and love for her family and friends. She will be sadly missed, but always remembered.

Survivors include three daughters, Karen Ritch and Judith (Dick) McClard of Cape Girardeau and Rebecca (Floyd) Dixon of New Concord, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Kelly (Lisa) Ritch of Scott City and Jennifer McClard of Cape Girardeau; a great-granddaughter, Raven Nicole Ritch of Scott City; a stepgrandson, Jason Dixon of New York; a great-stepgrandson, Titus Dixon of New York; two sisters, Clara Cruickshank of Florida and Bernice Glass of St. Louis; a brother, Vernon (Elwanda) Compas of Cape Girardeau; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Compas of Cape Girardeau; and a longtime friend, Marjee Breach of Nevada.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Leo, Elmer and Raymond Compas of Cape Girardeau; and two sisters, Betty Henley of Michigan and Lucille Waters of Massachusetts.

As per her wishes, her body was donated for medical research.

As closure for the family, there will be a celebration of life from 1 to 4 p.m. May 31 at Cape County Park South.

If you knew this beautiful lady, please come and join us in celebrating her life.

Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

To leave online condolences visit crainsonline.com.