Rita Ann (Smith) Wilks, 69, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away Monday, February 20, 2023 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

Rita was born April 7, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Ella Mae (Winston) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Kenneth Kiety Smith.

Rita is survived by her son, Robert Yates Jr. of Kirksville; two daughters, Kiashia Yates of Kirksville, and Kimberley Pine of Kirksville; one god-sister, Brenda White; one sister, Marion Smith of Gary, Indiana; sixteen grandchildren, Amy, Rayna, Kendra, Kenya, Kena, Kylia, Harold, Mary, Savannah, Robert, Kylie, Dylan, James, Patricia, Samantha, and Alexa; ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She graduated high school in Chicago and attended the Mission of Faith Baptist church of Chicago. She moved to Kirksville more than twenty years ago and has lived in Kirksville off-and-on ever since.

Rita was known as the “singing bell ringer” for the salvation army. She loved her grand babies and spending time with her family. Rita had a big heart and was everyone’s friend.

Rita has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.