Benton, Rita Piacenza, 1896-1975

Rita Benton and her grandson Anthony stand before Thomas Hart Benton's mural entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West" at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Rita Benton and her grandson Anthony stand before Thomas Hart Benton's mural entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West" at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Rita Benton sits on a chair at her home with her grandson Anthony on her lap.

Rita Benton (Mrs. Thomas Hart Benton) is sitting in a chair at home. Her grandson Anthony is sitting on her lap.

Unidentified Harry S. Truman Library employees enjoy a luau party hosted by Thomas Hart Benton in his Kansas City, Missouri home. Two Library staff members are talking to Mr. Benton's wife, Rita.

Unidentified Harry S. Truman Presidential Library employees enjoy a luau party hosted by Thomas Hart Benton in his Kansas City, Missouri home. Second from the left is Mr. Benton's wife, Rita.

Unidentified Harry S. Truman Library employees enjoy a luau party hosted by Thomas Hart Benton at his Kansas City, Missouri home. Among those present are Mr. Benton's wife, Rita (second from left), and Truman Library archivist Harry Clark (second from right).

Unidentified Harry S. Truman Library employees enjoy music at a luau party hosted by Thomas Hart Benton (playing harmonica) in his Kansas City, Missouri home. Also present are Benton's wife, Rita (left), and his daughter Jessie (right, playing guitar).

Unidentified Harry S. Truman Library employees enjoy music at a luau party hosted by Thomas Hart Benton (playing harmonica) in his Kansas City, Missouri home. Also present are Benton's wife, Rita (left), and his daughter Jessie (right, playing guitar).

Unidentified Harry S. Truman Library employees enjoy a luau party hosted by Thomas Hart Benton in his Kansas City, Missouri home. Mr. Benton is in the center, wearing a plaid shirt. Standing on his right is his wife, Rita Benton. Seated on the right, playing guitar, is their daughter, Jessie.