Rita Yarbrough

Rita Elizabeth Yarbrough, age 94, most recently of The Lakeside of Amelia Island, and former longtime resident of Cypress Village, passed away at home on November 20, 2019.

Rita was born in the small farming town of Whitelaw, WI on January 1, 1925, and was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Lt. Commander Paul Yarbrough.  They retired to the Jacksonville area over 50 years ago.

During her life, she was an active member of the Mayport Military Officers Wives’ Association (MOAA), Charter Member of the North Florida Wives’ of U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII, member of the NE Florida Widow & Widowers Club, and the Red Hat Club Society.  She performed volunteer work at Baptist Beaches Hospital for over 17 years.

She is survived by two daughters – Pamela M. Yarbrough (J. Allen Maines) of Atlanta, GA, and Diane Yarbrough-Roberts (Dr. Bob Roberts) of Fernandina Beach, FL; three grandchildren – Heather Roberts of Chicago, IL; Preston Roberts (Katie) of Northbrook, IL; Lesli Roberts Jennings (Jim) of Chicago, IL; along with four great- grandchildren – James, Julia, George Jennings, and Charlotte Roberts.

She cherished being with her family and the many wonderful friendships she developed over the years, in the numerous places the Navy took her and Paul.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1PM, Friday, December 20, 2019, in St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Jacksonville Beach, with Reverend William Kelly as Celebrant.  The family invites you to a “Celebration of Life” luncheon immediately following the service, in St. Paul’s Family Life Center.  Kindly RSVP by December 16 by calling or texting (678) 365-1239 if you’re able to attend.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to her devoted in-home caregivers, Tanya, Jackie, Faye, India and Laura.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.