Rita Kay Cox joined her family in heaven on January 24, 2019, at the age of 76. Rita was born February 19, 1942, in St. Louis Missouri to Ted and Pearl Youngman. She grew up living in many different states across the country. She met her one true love, Frank Cox while living in Harrison County Missouri and they were then married January 9, 1960. They began their life together in Des Moines where she completed her high school career. Rita and Frank had three children while living in Iowa. In 1967, they moved back to Harrison County and made a lifelong home in Ridgeway, where Rita was a full time wife and mother for many years before she went to work outside of the home at the cap factory in Bethany. When Frank opened his own mechanics shop in Ridgeway, Rita (Mrs. Frank) then went to work at the shop with him and drove a school bus as a side job for many years. Rita and Frank were seldom apart from that time on, until Frank passed away in 2012.
Rita enjoyed her children and her many “adopted kids” in town. She was “Mom Rita” to many young people in Ridgeway. She was always ready to listen and give a hug when needed to her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a huge joy in her life. Rita was a very accomplished seamstress, and had a great love of music and reading.
Rita is survived by her son Ted Cox (Brenda) of Bondurant, IA, daughter Kim Carnes of Tabor, IA, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Rita is preceded in death by her husband Franklin Cox, her parents Ted and Pearl Youngman, her son Clint Warren Cox, her father and mother in-laws Coy and Pauline Cox, and her son-in-law Monty Carnes.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.