Rita Mae McConnell, 79, of Spring Valley, Minn., died on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Spring Valley Senior Living.
Rita was born July 22, 1943, in Spring Valley to Frank and Edna (Bergeson) Stein. Rita grew up in Grand Meadow, Minn., on a farm with two sisters and five brothers. She was always outside riding horses with her brothers. In 1961, she graduated from Grand Meadow High School. She married Harry McConnell on May 11, 1963. They were later divorced. Together they had two sons; Gust and Scott.
Rita worked for years at Libby’s in Rochester, Minn., and then worked for the Stewartville nursing home as a housekeeper. She loved baking, knitting and going to Diamond Joe’s Casino in Iowa. Rita enjoyed spending time with her boys.
Rita is survived by her sons Gust McConnell and Scott McConnell, five grandchildren: Melissa, Ashely, Kaden, Keisha and Shinead; 13 great-grandchildren and tons of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters and daughters-in-law Tessa and Shelly.
Rita donated her body to Mayo Clinic. She will later be buried at Frankford Cemetery. It was Rita’s wishes not to have any services.
Dee Westphal says
Melissa & Ashley, Your hearts have had to endure so much loss. Thinking of you both and of course, the rest of your family as you mourn your Gramma Rita.
Love Dee