A Memorial Mass for Precious Blood Sister Rita (M. Melania) Yahl, will be held at Salem Heights chapel, 4960 Salem Avenue, Dayton, OH on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 10:30 am. Visitation in chapel begins at 9:00 am followed by the Sharing of Memories at 10:00 am, immediately preceding the Mass. Sister Rita died at the Maria-Joseph Center in Dayton on Thursday, July 12. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for over 75 years.

The daughter of Joseph and Martha (Greve) Yahl, Rita was born in St. Marys, Ohio, on November 9, 1922. She was the oldest of twelve children. On August 3, 1941, Rita entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood and as a novice received the name of Sister Mary Melania (many years later she returned to using her baptismal name).

Sister Rita taught 17 years in elementary schools in Arizona, North Dakota and Ohio. Then she enjoyed 25 years teaching home economics at Marion Local High School, Maria Stein.

While teaching at Marion Local, Rita assisted in the ministry at the Retreat House and Shrine. She made numerous baptismal gowns and doll clothes as well as other creative items.

Sister Rita retired in 1986 and volunteered at the Shrine continuing with her sewing skills, friendly hospitality and prayer. Rita remarked that she found these years grace-filled - still serving and sharing life and prayer with her Sisters. In 2006, Rita moved to Salem Heights and was grateful for her life with her Sisters which included daily Mass, prayer, and companionship. She admitted to being competitive and very much appreciated card games with her Sisters and family in spite of her diminishing eye sight.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her brothers and sisters: Rose Braun, Irene Doseck, Jerome Yahl, Mary Braun, William Yahl, Anthony Yahl, and Emma Clements. She is survived by her Precious Blood Sisters and her family: Joe and Connie Yahl, Gene and Janice Yahl, Bob Yahl, Clara Lenhart and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.