Rita Young

Rita M. Young, 97, passed away on July 27, 2020, after a brief illness. Born on July 2, 1923 to Helen and Anton Kern in Iowa City, she was raised on a farm near Richmond, Iowa. Rita attended Kalona High School and graduated with the class of 1940. After high school, Rita moved to the Quad Cities where she graduated from the American Institute of Commerce and then worked at the Rock Island Arsenal during World War II. She later moved to Des Moines where she worked for Hubbell Realty. In 1951 Rita married Paul Young and together they had four children. Rita will be remembered for her independent spirit, creativity, life-long love of books and her involvement in her community. For many years Rita volunteered at Des Moines schools helping young readers. Her children will always remember her animated bedtime readings of Peter Rabbit, Dr. Seuss, and particularly the poem, “The Night Before Christmas”. She also volunteered at Living History Farms for 14 years, giving tours of the Flynn mansion dressed in period clothing. Rita loved sewing, cooking and baking and delighted in celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas. All were welcome at her table. Rita is survived by her 4 children, Christopher, Steven, Scott (Daina), and Diane (Fred) Caminite; her sister, Donna Onstot; grandchildren, Jessica/Gaia (Ryan) Rougeux, Nicholas, Steven and Christina; five great grandchildren Arlo, Dominic, Huxley, Daxon and Isabelle; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, siblings Cletus, Vivian, Arlene, Donald and Carolyn; sisters in-law Darlene and LaVella Kern; brothers in-law Ted Onstot, Tim Grady, Tom Marr, Rex Weitzell, Larry Smith; and nephew Chuck Grady. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to Living History Farms, https://www.lhf.org.