Rio Rita York

Rio Rita York

Peoria - Rio Rita York passed away peacefully at the beautiful age of 89, surrounded by family, on June 15, 2021. She was the loving wife to Claude York, and together they had 8 children. Claude, her husband, son Roger York and daughters Pamela Royal and Susan Bond preceded her in death. Her brother Carl Edward Prince also preceded her. She is survived by her daughters Judy Thompson (Arthur), Edith Worley, Claudia Skilton (Tony), Paula Lamear (Jeff), and son David York (Linda). She had 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 7 great- great grandchildren.

Rita was born in Paris, Tennessee on July 21, 1931 to Luddie Lavern and Paul Paschall. She married Claude York in Paris, TN May 1, 1948. She worked hard in and outside the home. On a farm, in the factory, wherever she was needed. She retired from Digital Equipment Corp. in Arizona. Her greatest joys were her faith, traveling and spending time with her family.

Rita was the matriarch of our family, best known for her southern cooking skills and the ability keep our family connected through food and a place to call home whenever needed. She was as unique as the color of her eyes, one a deep rich brown, and the other sea blue. She will be laid to rest next to her husband where it all began in Paris, TN.