Rita Jane Henderson

Rita Jane Henderson, age 87, Murdo, S.D., died Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Maryhouse in Pierre.

 

Rita Jane Tunink was born Aug. 7, 1929, at home in Butte, Neb. She was the youngest of nine children born to Bernard and Clara (Sibbel) Tunink. 

Rita attended St. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Butte. Due to two brothers serving in the military, she stayed to help her dad and siblings on the farm.

 

On May 5, 1955, Rita Jane married Harley Henderson at St John's Catholic Church in Omaha, Neb.. They spent more than 50 years in South Dakota. She and her husband 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 soda and french fries. Rita never hesitated to speak her mind. She was hardworking, honest and a woman of great faith. She will long be remembered for her red lipstick.

 

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

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harley, on Dec. 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.

 

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 1, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo.

 

Interment was at the Murdo Cemetery.

 

  Arrangements were with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.