Rita De Young

Rita Kathleen DeYoung, born on January 24, 1946, in Osborne, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 79 in Plano, Texas. Rita’s life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, and she will be remembered as a compassionate leader, dedicated family member, and fearless advocate for social justice. Rita’s journey was marked by significant achievements and tireless dedication to community service. She was instrumental in the creation of Hubbard House, a domestic violence center which has been a beacon of hope and support. Her leadership extended across various organizations, including her role as the founding president of the Florida First Coast Purchasing Council, a founding president of Greater Jacksonville APICS and a founding president of the Alliance for Agency Executives Serving People with Disabilities. Rita’s influence and leadership were further recognized through her involvement in numerous commissions and task forces, such as the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Commission, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, the Governor’s Commission on Batterers’ Intervention and the Association of United Way Agency Executives’ Executive Committee. She served on the boards of the Greater Dallas Association of Fundraising Professionals and Unity Church of Dallas and volunteered for the Collin County Democratic Party. Her contributions earned her several accolades, including the Liberty Bell Award from the Jacksonville Bar Association, the Mary Nolan Award from JAX NOW, and the Florida Governor’s Peace at Home Award. Professionally, Rita held prominent positions that showcased her expertise and passion for development and leadership. She served as Materials Control Director at Xomed Surgical, CEO at Hubbard House, Director of Materials at TIGI, Director of Development at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Executive Director of Citizens Development Center, and CEO of Camp Fire USA Lonestar. Rita was known not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her strong, driven leadership and fearless social activism. Her family was her cornerstone, and she was a devoted sister, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her sister Lorna DeYoung, daughter Robin Reed and husband Greg, daughter Renee Golder and husband Tom, grandchildren Natalie Wright and husband Justin, Nathan Knuuttila and wife Sydney, Grant Golder and wife Abbey, Claire Golder, Hallie Reed and Maren Reed, great granddaughters Brayleigh Wright and Eleanor Wright, and nieces Erin Goodman and husband Jeff, and Shea Roberts and husband Glen. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Rita’s life will be held at 3 pm on Friday, March 28th, at the Unity Church of Dallas, located at 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas. The family extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and hope that Rita’s legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hubbard House or Girls Inc.