Rita Mary Benesch

Rita Mary Benesch, 98, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Center Point Heights Senior Living Community in Center Point. The family will greet friends from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church, located at 516 Rowley Street, in Walker, Iowa. The Reverend Jim Brokman will officiate. Burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery in Center Point. 

Rita was born on October 8, 1926, in Akron, Colorado, the daughter of Lynn Leo and Eleanor (Wahl) Boyer. On February 13, 1944, Rita was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Franklin Benesch at St. Mary’s of Spencer Grove in Urbana, Iowa, and together they had two children. Rita worked as a cook for the Center Point Schools and then was employed with Rockwell Collins for 28 years, until her retirement. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Walker and the Alert Homemaker Club. Rita liked to sew and crochet, especially quilting, needle work, and lacey specialty items. She also enjoyed gardening and growing things. Rita was a wonderful cook and baker; she loved baking cakes and pies for family and friends. She also enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and dominos. Rita will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her two children, Gerald (Jane) Benesch of Center Point, and Peggy (Wayne) Andrews of Marion; grandchildren, Randy, Rick, Roxanne and Renee Benesch, Aaron and Bryan Andrews, and Sally Del Llano; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and a very good friend, Mary Jane Gustoff of Center Point.

Rita was preceded into eternal life by her parents; husband, Bob Benesch; two grandsons, Ronnie and Rod Benesch; and five siblings, Marie, Lynn Marvin, Lynn Jr., Leone, and Donald. 

Memorials in Rita’s memory may be directed to the Center Point Library or to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the staff at Center Point Heights and with Moments Hospice, for all the love, care and compassion they gave to Rita during her stay and final days.