Lorrita Kay “Rita” Yates, 77, of Marshall, MO, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
Born October 28, 1948, in Nelson, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Piper and Eutoka Perkins Piper. On February 11, 1967, she married Gary Yates and they shared over 59 years of marriage.
Rita lived in Saline County most of her life and was proud to have earned her GED in 1995. For many years she worked at Bueker Middle School as the head cook which she enjoyed because it allowed her to have the summers off to spend with her children. Rita was an active member of Southside Assembly of God where she had sang in the choir, played the organ and piano, and helped in any area that she could.
In addition to her husband, Gary; she is survived by two children, Lorry Yates Franklin (Tim) of Windsor, and Allen Yates (Lisa) of Clinton; six grandchildren: Brandon Yates, Allison Yates Goodman, Andrew Davenport, Brenton Yates, Kaylie Davenport, and Kami Yates; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marilynn Case of Marshall; a special extended family member, Pam Cumpton Bradbury of Murphy, TX; as well as nieces and nephews.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; biological father, J.T. Narron; and her brother, Ronnald Piper Sr.
The family will host a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at Southside Assembly of God Church with Pastor Cliff Cato officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
