Rita Henderson, 91, formerly of Wethersfield, CT passed away peacefully on July 14, 2021.  Rita was born in Hartford, CT on August 24,  1929 to the late Charles J. and the late Gunhild Adamson Haaser.  Rita was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Hartford, CT for 71 years.   She was trained as an opera singer by the late Frank La Forge of New York.  Music lived in Rita all her life.  She was the music director for the Memorial Baptist Church choir for much of her life.  She wrote and directed shows and organized many chicken dinners put on by the members of the choir through the years.  Those who knew Rita were blessed by her love of music which she so beautifully shared with so many.  Rita was a member of the Hartford Musical Club and she directed the vocal ensemble for many years.  Rita was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Phillips B. Henderson.   Rita and Phil loved to travel visiting family all over the United States and visiting many different countries.  Her life was greatly enriched when she married Phil, who brought to Rita a large, loving family.  Rita worked and retired from the Aetna Insurance Co. in Hartford, CT after many years of service.  She was a manager in the education department training agents from across the country, hosting get togethers in her home for those agents while they were on the road.  She wanted the "travelers" to feel cared for and welcomed in her home while away from theirs.   Rita enjoyed entertaining whether for her family, her church family or her work family.  Rita leaves a step-son and daughter-in-law, Phillips B. and Jane Henderson of California, a step-son and daughter-in-law, Alexander and Genevieve Henderson of Virginia, a step-daughter, Janet Bardsley of Virginia and a step-son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Deborah Henderson of Vermont.   She also leaves 9 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be Saturday, August 7 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, 142 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT.  Burial will be in Shawsheen Cemetery in Bedford MA in a private ceremony where Rita will be buried with her husband, the Rev. Phillips B. Henderson.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Remembrance Fund of Memorial Baptist Church, 142 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com