Rita Kay Bourret

CLERGY
Rev. Dean Schroeder
Rita Kay Bourret was born Friday, September 29, 1944 to Emil and Ruby (Beard) Bartikowsky. She attended school in Tyndall. Rita married Don Bourret in 1962. From this marriage, she had two sons: Darwyn and Shawn. Rita moved to California with her two sons in 1977. She began working at NASA in February of 1987. She processed data on the tests of future astronauts. She worked directly with the astronauts and modeled space gear. While working, she attended DeAnza Community College in Cupertino, California where she received her degree in purchasing. She also worked as a senior counselor in a girl’s group home. Rita moved back to Yankton in 1997 to be close to her family. Her enjoyments in life included dancing, music (especially by Little Richard), playing cards, embroidery, being with family and reading her devotions and bible. After a courageous battle with a long illness, Rita passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall at the age of 68 years and 20 days. She will be greatly missed in our hearts forever.
Grateful for sharing Rita’s life are her two sons: Darwyn (Michelle) Bourret of Aurora, Colorado and Shawn (Tammy) Bourret of Lakewood, Colorado; two cherished granddaughters: Tyanna and Tayvia Bourret; four sisters: Arline (Robert) Sedlacek of Tyndall, Ruth Langley of Tyndall, Carol Reining of Denver, Colorado and Dorothy (John) Honomichl of Yankton; one brother, Ron (Norma) Bartikowsky of Yankton; and a very special friend, Ron (Fritz) Wyatt, who supported her throughout her long illness and was always a part of her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Ruby Bartikowsky; her paternal and maternal grandparents; one nephew, Jerry Langley; a cousin, and many aunts and uncles.