Obituary of Lettie Mae Yarina

LETTIE MAE YARINA Lettie Mae Yarina, 89, formerly of Fairburn, died May 24 in Tucson, AZ. Lettie was born February 9, 1925 to Von and Alice (Pollard) Smith of Fairburn, SD. She attended all 12 grades and graduated from Fairburn High School, then received her secretarial certificate from the National School of Business in Rapid City, SD. She was employed by the Army Air Corp Base, Ellsworth. She married Michael (Mickey) Yarina, a flight engineer stationed at Ellsworth, on January 29, 1945 in Rapid City. They ranched in the Fairburn area for over 30 years and also drove the school bus from Fairburn to Rapid City for 12 of those years. They then travelled in their motorhome visiting all 49 states and all Canadian Provinces before settling permanently in Tucson, AZ. Lettie enjoyed playing bridge and blackjack and always looked forward to the family gatherings. Lettie resided in an Adult Care Home in Tucson, AZ for the past 5 years. The family extends a very special thank you to Lisa (Alicia) Alanis, her primary caregiver and companion, the Care Home staff, and the "music man", Sandy, who came to the home to play all her favorite songs. To Casa de la Luz Hospice Care, our heartfelt admiration for the tender care and comfort provided to our mother. Lettie is survived by: 4 children - Lavonne (Steve) Rodeffer, Mary Hunt/Hank Niggemann, James (Connie) Yarina, and Peggy (Larry) Baer, 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, parents, sister Martha Smith, and infant son Eugene. Arrangements by Bring Funeral Home, Tucson, AZ. The family will hold a special memorial to honor both Lettie and Mickey in Fairburn at a later date. . Cards may be mailed to: Lavonne Rodeffer 10650 S. Avenida Compadres #91 Yuma, AZ 85365