Mary "Rita" Murphy

Parnell--
Slán, an Irish Goodbye to Mary "Rita" Weldon Murphy

Born June 12, 1926, second child of John Weldon and Anna Cain Weldon, she grew up on a farm west of Parnell, a predominantly Irish enclave. She passed away October 11, 2015, at age 89.
Rita graduated from Parnell High School in 1944, received a teaching certificate and taught country school until her marriage October 8, 1947 to Joseph Murphy, WW II Veteran.
A homemaker and community volunteer, Rita raised their four children in Parnell and worked with Joe at their Murphy Grocery Store from 1954 - 75. They then both worked at Super Valu in Williamsburg.
She stayed in their home in Parnell after Joe's death in 1986, until moving to Highland Ridge in 2011. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Parnell her entire life, until it closed in 2012, Altar & Rosary Society and American Legion Auxiliary.
She enjoyed family gatherings more than anything, especially in her lovely yard in Parnell, baking, cooking, reading, word games, occasional casino visits and traveling to many states to see family.
Rita is survived by her daughters, Jean Ann and Dennis Lamm of Wellington CO, Janet Murphy of Naples FL and Marilyn and Tom Von Ahsen of St. Louis MO, daughter-in-law Sue Murphy of Greeley CO, six grandchildren: Kevan and Alexa Lamm, Dana and Chris Bartlett, Barry and Kim Von Ahsen, Nathan and Jenna Von Ahsen and Jessica and George Birthisel, Codie and Marcus Allen.
She was very proud of her Eleven Great-Grandchildren: Charlotte, Warren and Aiden Lamm; Owen and Emerson Bartlett; Adalyn and Charlie Von Ahsen; Keegan, Johann, Tully and Olin Birthisel.
Brother Clem and Audrey Weldon of North English, sister-in-law Madonna and Joe Black of Amana also survive.
Besides her parents, and husband Joe, she was preceded in death by her son John Murphy (7-24-10), siblings and in-laws Frank and Colleen Weldon, Harold and Marge Weldon, Dean Weldon, Margaret and Joe Hanson.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Highland Ridge; her dear friends, Shirley and Marlys who took her to appointments and church after the move from Parnell; and her nieces and nephews who continued to visit and include her in their family dinners and outings.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: American Heart Association, Highland Ridge, St. Joseph Cemetery Fund or your choice.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Parnell. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg where there will be a Rosary recited at 4:00. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.