Rita Louise Risi Yeates

Rita Louise Risi Yeates, born on November 2, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away on July 7, 2024, in Taft, California. She was the oldest of four daughters born to Alberto Risi and Felicia Carmela Risi. In 1968, Rita and her family relocated to Taft, California, where she graduated from Taft Union High School in 1971.

Rita had a love for baseball, from watching Dodgers and Yankee games to collecting baseball cards. She often challenged her family and friends to word games.

Her passion for these activities brought joy and connection to those around her.

Rita is survived by her father Alberto, husband Scott Yeates, sisters Maria, Frances, and Donna as well as a blended family of children: Jeffrey Wimmer, Scott Wimmer (Sam), Chris Yeates, and Steven Yeates (Crystal). She was a proud grandmother to Matix, Brixton, Seth, Faith, Blaise, Kenna, Alister, Isaiah, Kyle, Logan, Ariun, Travis Jr., Tayvis, Kaven, Linden, and Aiden. Additionally, she is survived by honorary children Jack Dennis and Woody Smart, who were like family to her. Rita also leaves behind many close family friends who cherished her presence in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Felicia Carmela Risi, and her sons, Travis Hibbard and Craig Yeates.

A celebration of Rita's life will be held on Friday, July 26, at 12:00 PM at OT's Cookhouse, 205 N. 10th Street,

Taft, CA 93268. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember and honor the life of a remarkable woman who will be dearly missed.

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