On December 8, 2024, the Lord called Rita Murlene Chamberlain Peterson to her home in the heavens.

She was born in Elm Grove Community, San Saba County, Texas, to Richard Clifton and Sadie Grace Chamberlain on September 16, 1935. She attended grade school in Elm Grove, was a graduate of Richland Springs in San Saba County, and attended college classes at both Abilene Christian College and Wharton County Junior College.

Rita was married to Kenneth Lee Peterson on June 10, 1955 in Palacios, which was a faithful union that lasted 60 years. They made their home in Carancahua, where she also owned a small health food store out of her backyard. Throughout her years, she found many hobbies that she enjoyed, such as walking through the pastures and following the cow trails, tending to her beautiful hibiscus bushes, taking photos, and making personalized cards on her computer, and singing or humming her church hymns.

More than anything, she found her joy in her family. Affectionately known to "the grands" as Meme, she enjoyed spending time with them, hearing their stories, and was very proud of each and every one. Rita was blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. They all have special memories with her that will be cherished and will forever hold them close to their hearts. Her church family was with the Palacios Church of Christ, and she also was well cared for at the Montgomery Home in Palacios.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

She is survived by her daughter Teresa Peterson Blanchette and husband, Tim; son Bryant E. Peterson and wife Debra; grandchildren Ingrid Lee Ryman, Karin Kay Piwonka, Kristen Lyn Perez, Jessie Cheyenne Peterson and Kanyon Bryant Peterson; great-grandchildren Hunter Lee Ryman, Nicole Ray Ryman, Devin Lee Perez, Ethan David Perez, and Embrey Lyn Perez; sister, Carol Jean McFeron and her nephews and niece, Greg, Joy, and Troy Glowka.

Friends and relatives will be received from 4:00-6:00PM on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 10:00AM at the Palacios Funeral Home with Matt Springfield officiating. Interment will follow at Olivia Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Kenneth Ryman, David Perez, Wes Piwonka, Kanyon Peterson, Hunter Lee Ryman, and Devin Lee Perez, and honorary pallbearer Ethan Perez.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Angles Care Hospice in Bay City for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to the Montgomery Home (316 Ritchie Palacios, TX 77465) or The Olivia Cemetery (592 CR 311 Port Lavaca, TX 77979-6022).