Rita Lynn Harris Munster

Rita Lynn Harris Munster of Columbus, Ohio and Palm Beach, Florida died peacefully in her sleep on November 28, 2023. She was born on November 16, 1941 in Akron, Ohio to Frances and Edward Harris. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Sigmund Munster and her children Lisa Tananbaum (Steven) and Gregory Munster (Alicia) and sister, Sandra Drucker. She is also survived by her grandchildren Harrison "Tyler" and Edward "Teddy" Tananbaum and Emily, Gavin and Brett Munster and grand-dogs Tuxedo and Simba. She was also predeceased by her sister, Arline Harris Kodish. Rita was known for her beauty, her sense of humor, always ready to laugh and joke and always adventuresome.
Rita will be remembered for her love of family and life. She and Sig had a partnership and marriage to emulate. Rita's family was foremost to her. She spoke with her children and grandchildren every day, and her favorite times were when she had her family all together for meals, holidays and vacations.
Rita grew up in Akron, Ohio and attended Old Trail School for Girls where she excelled in art. She continued her studies at Ohio State University where she majored in elementary education and later taught 4th grade where she proudly incorporated art into her curriculum. At OSU she met the love of her life – her Siggy. While raising their family in Columbus, Rita was a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art, a President of the local Art Chapter, A member of the Columbus Junior League, and very involved in her children's schools, the Columbus School for Girls and the Columbus Academy. She enjoyed art, design, travel, history and tennis as well as cheering on the OSU Buckeyes with Sig.
Rita and Sig spent their early years between Columbus and Palm Beach, Florida where they enjoyed playing golf together and socializing. Rita continued her interest in art by taking classes at the Society of the Four Arts and at the Armory in West Palm Beach where she won 1st place for one of her paintings. She particularly enjoyed painting animals and landscapes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Rita Harris Munster memorial fund, supporting the research and innovation within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge at the Ohio State University. Gifts can be made online at: www.give.osu.edu/HarrisMunster or by mail to PO Box 710811 Columbus, OH 43271-0811.
Family is having a private funeral service in Palm Beach, FL on Sunday December 3, 2023.
Shiva will be held at the home of Alicia and Greg Munster in New Albany, OH on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 5-8pm.
Sig will be in attendance by zoom.