Rita Young

Rita Mae Young, 82, of Rogers, Ark., passed away peacefully Saturday, August 24, 2024, after a sudden illness. Rita was born on May 18, 1942, in Adrian, Mo., to the late Chester Earl Ashbaugh and Della Mae (Crall) Ashbaugh.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Karen Howard; nephews, Chad and Mike Howard; in-laws, Mitchell "Mike" and Ethel Young; and brother-in-law, Forrest Young. 

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Philip "Coach" Young; children, Bradley Young (Mary Jane) of Fort Scott, Kan., Brenda Young of Rogers, Ark., and Becky Bahnks (Michael) of Bryant, Ark.; grandchildren, Carter Young, McKenzie Park (Young), Caden Young, Ty Bahnks, and Cooper Bahnks. Rita is also survived by her loving sister, Kay Jenkins (Lewis) of Oak Grove, Mo.; and numerous other loved family members and friends. 

Rita grew up on a farm outside Adrian, Mo. Her children always enjoyed listening to stories about her life on the farm, her guitar-playing performances with her sister Kay, and dances and dates with Phil, her high school sweetheart and husband of 61 years. She was always involved in school activities. She was Homecoming Queen and Valedictorian of her graduating class of 1960. Rita was awarded multiple honors throughout her schooling including the National Honor Society and the Good Citizen Award for Senior Girls. 

Rita attended the University of Central Missouri where she attained an associate's degree and later went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Teaching from Missouri Southern State College. Rita spent her life devoted to her husband and family, always putting their needs and dreams ahead of her own. Rita supported Phil in his coaching endeavors, no matter where the path led. They spent 16 years of their lives in Neosho, Mo., where they raised their children and created lifelong friendships. Every Friday night, Rita was in attendance to support Phil's football team. 

In 1988, they moved to Rogers, Ark. Rita spent 16 years teaching in the Rogers School District at Garfield Elementary and Reagan Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher. Rita loved her students and coworkers and poured into them daily until she retired in 2004. 

Known as "Nana," Rita spent her later years spoiling her grandchildren and caring for her husband, Phil. She found her happiness in the simple things of life and serving those she loved. Her only desire was to be with family and spend time with those she loved the most. She always enjoyed a good meal with friends and family, watching a lively country music show, or watching a ballgame, especially the Kansas City Chiefs or the Kansas City Royals. She also looked forward to her daily phone talks with her daughters and sister. She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church of Rogers, Ark. 

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel, 1401 Hudson Road, Rogers, Ark. Funeral service will follow beginning at 10 a.m. A private family burial will be held at 2 p.m. at Cresent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Broyles Foundation supporting Alzheimer's Caregivers.