Rita Mae Younker

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.