Obituary: Rita Jane Henderson

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:30 AM (Central).

St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
Murdo, South Dakota

Visitation

A visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, July 31, 2017 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo.

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In memory of

Rita Jane Henderson

of Murdo, South Dakota, died on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the Maryhouse in Pierre at the age of 87

Rita Jane Henderson was born on August 7, 1929, at home in Butte, Nebraska. She was the youngest of nine children born to Bernard and Clara (Sibbel) Tunink. Rita attended St. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Butte. Rita stayed at home due to two brothers serving in the military so she stayed to help her Dad and siblings on the farm.

On May 5, 1955, Harley married Rita Jane Tunink at St John's Catholic Church in Omaha. They spent more than 50 years in South Dakota. Her and her husband, Harley, enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They also enjoyed many years of playing cards with family.

Working at Dean's Market was always one of her favorite jobs. She truly loved the people she worked with. Another favorite job was running Mack's Cafe. She had no problem with telling teenagers when they were not behaving appropriately. She also loved visiting with them and telling them they were good kids. She felt it was her duty to keep kids in line that came in for a coke and french fries. Rita never hesitated to speak her mind. She was hard working, honest and a woman of great faith. She will long be remembered for her red lipstick.

Survivors include two sons, Harley (Pam) Henderson of Wayne, Nebraska, and Bruce (Tina) Henderson of Omaha, Nebraska; three daughters, Harlana (Dale) Duis of Fairbury, Nebraska, Lorrie (Wayne) Esmay of Murdo, and Kim (Mark) Weingartner of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harley, on December 6, 2012; her parents; six brothers, Andrew, Edward, Cyril, Alfons, Albert, and a brother as an infant; and three sisters, Alvina Lechtenberg, Stella Burger, and Agatha Hynes.

A visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. CDT on Monday, July 31, 2017 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo.

Interment will be at the Murdo Cemetery.

VISITATION
6-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. CDT
Monday, July 31, 2017
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
Murdo, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, August 1, 2017 - 10:30 a.m.
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
Murdo, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father John Heying

MUSIC
Marla Hayes - Pianist
“Lord of all Hopefulness” #327
“How Great Thou Art” #291
“You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” #429
“Song of Farewell” #455
“On Eagles Wings” #336
Jasmine Esmay - Special Music
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”

READERS
Tina Henderson - Matthew Esmay

PALLBEARERS
Jon Esmay - Matthew Esmay
Jordan Esmay - Thomas Seadon - Cody Henderson
Brady Henderson - Joshua Zimmerman - Michael Henderson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

Is Brianna McKinnon here? ~ Rosy lowinx Bc (9/30/2022)
Is Brianna McKinnon here? ~ Rosy lowinx Bc (9/30/2022)
Madera, CA ~ Rose (Tunink) Aguayo 26808 Merril Ave (7/29/2017)
So sorry for your loss. Rita was one of the most faithful person I knew. Always sang in church even if sometimes it was only her. She was a sweet caring lady. ~ Cindy Jost Murdo (7/29/2017)
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your Sister. May her memory be forever cherished. ~ Tom & Linda Dickens Fort Pierce, Florida (7/29/2017)
I'm not sure why or how but I and Rita became very good friends. It may have been our love for silk flowers and cheap perfume! When we left Murdo we were in contact about once a week. She was the sweetest ,nicest ,caring, loving,but blunt lady we both loved.She knew every birthday and age of almost everyone in Jones
County. When Rita baked at the grocery store, we never failed to have Rita's buns for holidays .The saddest news was the day she called to tell me about the cancer coming back . She lived 87 wonderful years ! Love you and will miss you Rita. ~ Sherry philips Florida (7/29/2017)
Bruce, siblings and remainder of family and friends; so sorry to hear about your Mom, mother-in-law,grandmother and dearest friend. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold fast to the good memories and strength from everyone around. Prayers & Hugs ~ Jeri Olson (Manke) Belle Fourche (7/27/2017)