Rita Rogers

Rita St. Clair was born July 5, 1923 in White Earth to James and Margaret (Parker) St. Clair. She was raised and educated in White Earth where she attended school at St. Benedict's Mission. After school and during WWII, Rita moved to Michigan and worked as a rivet girl. In 1968 she opened "Sparkle Café" in Minneapolis and became the first American Indian to own and operate a restaurant on Franklin Avenue. She also worked as a social worker for Community University Health Clinic (CUHH) and Stillwater Prison. Her favorite job was with Heart of Earth Survivor School in Minneapolis where she was able to share her skills as a cook. In 1968, Rita was one of the founding members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and was very instrumental throughout. She also served as a foster parent to many children throughout the years. In 1982, Rita moved back to White Earth. She loved spending time with family and is known for her exceptional fry bread and wild rice dishes. She enjoyed her trips with family and friends to the casino where her favorite game was Keno. Rita is survived by her children: James (Marlene) Rogers of White Earth, Dolly (William) Means of Minneapolis, MN, Jean Rogers of White Earth and Frank (Pam) Rogers of Minneapolis along with 26 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Warren, two sons: Darrell Carpenter and George Warren, three sisters: Cecelia Chichester, Sophi Parker and Ann Dakota along with two brothers Kip St. Clair and Wayne Parker.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, November 14, 2011
Service
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
cemetery
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

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