Rita Murdoch Conner

Rita Murdoch Conner, 69, of Beaufort, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Hospice House in Greenville.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, November 29th, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Sara Williams. She will be laid to rest at the North River United Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive an hour prior at Munden Funeral Home.

Rita was born in Morehead City, North Carolina, on May 12, 1952, to Robert and Mayola Murdoch. She graduated from East Carteret High School and obtained an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Carteret Community College. Her gift of teaching was a blessing to numerous children over the 25 years that she served in various roles in K-12 and Early Childhood Education. Most recently with the United Methodist Church Early Learning Center in Morehead City.  Along with working with children, Rita worked over 35 years co-managing Osprey Marine Construction. Overcoming numerous challenges, Rita was a hard worker who applied herself 100% to whatever task she was given.

As a talented artist, Rita created colorful stained-glass designs and beautiful paintings. Her green thumb was incredible, and everything she touched grew and prospered under her care. Cooking was another area she excelled in, she loved preparing meals for family dinners and holiday celebrations. She perfected making her mother’s famous yeast rolls, much to everyone’s pleasure. She loved living on the coast and spending time on the boat. More than anything, Rita was committed to her faith and the love she had for her family.

She is survived by her son, Roger Allen Conner Jr. of Greenville; sisters, Florence Mann of Beaufort; brother, Robert “Bobby” Murdoch and wife Vicki of Wildwood; nephews, Robert VanDyke of Beaufort, Lynn Elvington and husband Gil of Carolina Shores, Keith Taylor and wife Lee of Beaufort, and William Murdoch of Apex; and great niece, Colleen Taylor of Morehead City.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Allen Conner; daughter, Harmony Leigh Conner; sister, Patricia Murdoch; mother, Mayola “Momma May” Murdoch; and father, Robert Colburn Murdoch.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome, or donations may be made to a scholarship fund at RememberRita.com

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.