Rita Marie Murphy

Rita Marie Murphy, 82, passed away on August 20, 2022, at home.

She was born September 4, 1939, to Towfeld and Mary (Goga) Lesh. She grew up in Stockett, MT and attended school in Centerville. Rita married the love of her life, Joseph Murphy August 8, 1959, and moved to Great Falls where she worked at a collection agency. She later went to work for 25 years at Sunnyside Elementary School in the library until her retirement.

Our mother was a beautiful statuesque woman whose laugh and sense of humor was contagious. She loved playing the piano, watching and listening to sports, her family, and trying to teach us the Slavic language. Her love of us and faith in God never wavered. She taught us to love unconditionally and to trust in God. She was a devout Catholic and was committed to her faith. We will miss her love, opinion, and laugh.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Murphy; parents, Towfeld and Mary Lesh; and brothers, Robert and John Lesh. She is survived by her son, Bret (Kathy) Murphy; daughter, Stacey (Chris) Tinsley; grandchildren, Cassie (Mike) Delbridge, Carleen (Tony) Wright, Courtney (Dave) Murphy, Kelby (Carlie) Murphy, Hannah (Wes) Crawford, and Joe (Shelbe) Tinsley; great-grandchildren, Cailin and Colton Wright, Sam and Emmy Crawford, Lillee and Reed Tinsley, and Kaitlyn Hetland; great-great grandchildren, Amberly and Dallie; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022. To honor Rita’s memory, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.