Rita Griffith

Rita Clarene Hender Griffith, of Grapevine, Texas (formerly of Brenham, Texas) went home to Jesus, on Friday, April 11, 2014. She was born in Surabaya, Java (present day: Jakarta, Indonesia) on August 18, 1923. The daughter of William Reginald Hender and Gertrude Elizabeth MacDonald Shield, Rita carried a dual citizenship for Australia and Scotland until 1948, when she became a U.S. citizen. Living in India, Rita attended St. Teresa’s High School and took her nurse’s training at the Presidency General Hospital Nursing School in Calcutta. During WWII, Rita became a British Army nurse and was part of the Indian Army Nursing Services. She was very proud to have nursed in the jungles of Assam (present day: Kamarupa) and Burma (present day: Myanmar), caring for all soldiers under deadly and fearful conditions.

Later, Rita met the love of her life, and married Kenneth Ray Griffith in Calcutta, on April 7, 1946. Moving to Texas, Rita embraced the Texas heritage through her involvement in PTAs, garden clubs, historical societies, and being a part of Brenham’s Fortnightly Club and former President of the International Department. Rita continued practicing her nursing career working in hospitals in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area and later at the Brenham Clinic with Dr. Boehm. She and her husband volunteered for 12 years with the Brazos Valley Hospice and were active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas.

Rita is survived by her husband of 68 years, Kenneth Ray Griffith, of Grapevine, Texas, and their children; Charlotte Weinstein and husband, Stuart of Bedford, Texas, Dr. Rachel Griffith of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Karl Griffith and wife, Terri of Kerrville, Texas and Mark Griffith and wife Bronwyn of Grapevine, Texas and daughter-in-law; Shari Griffith of Katy, Texas. Other survivors include grandchildren: David Weinstein, Lynne McCollum, Caryn Schroder, Keri Elizabeth Haywood, Ashley Griffith, Ian MacDonald Griffith, and Ryan Griffith. Surviving great-grandchildren include: Aaron and Evan Schroeder, Rachel Weinstein and Noah and Ellie McCollum. Rita is also survived by her many beloved cousins in England, Ireland and Australia.

Preceding her in death was her son, David MacDonald Griffith, whom she missed every day.

A memorial service will be held at the Brenham Memorial Chapel on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 2 p.m. Her family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the memorial service. After the memorial, a short graveside service will be held for the family, at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brenham Public Library, the Brazos Valley Hospice, and local animal shelters.

Rita’s family will treasure the memories of her love for Jesus, her delight in books, her affection for all animals, the family gatherings with her wonderful meals, her endearing friendships and her amazing tales of growing up in India.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham.