Imogene "Jean" Rittenhouse

Imogene "Jean" Rittenhouse, 91, of Springfield, Illinois died on July 2, 2017 at Villa St. Benedict in Lisle, Illinois where she has been a resident for the past 7 years. Jean was born on May 25, 1926 at St Johns Hospital in Springfield, the daughter of J. Roy Oldridge and Margaret Moore Oldridge. She married Robert L. Rittenhouse, the son of Charles Percy Rittenhouse and Mary Kelly Rittenhouse on July 5, 1947. Bob preceded her in death on October 22, 1987. She was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Jerome (Jerry) Rittenhouse in 2002; infant grandson, Scott Rittenhouse; and one sister, Norma Ellen Burns in 2004. Jean attended St. Agnes Grade School and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy. She was employed for many years as secretary to J.R. "Bud" Fitzpatrick at the Citizens Tribune and Fitzpatrick Lumber Yard. In 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse founded the Rittenhouse Insurance Co., which Mrs. Rittenhouse continued to run for a period after her husbands death. With her husband Bob, Jean was a founding member of Christ the King Parish. She was past President of many Catholic Womens organizations including St. Josephs Home Coterie, St. Johns Hospital Guild, Diocesan of Catholic Women, Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae and a Democratic Precinct Committeewoman. Survivors include two sons, John (wife Mary Jane) of Lisle, Dan (wife Barbara) of Springfield; two daughters, Joan Merriman (husband Philip) of Naperville, Judith Rittenhouse (partner, Doug McLemore) of Sanibel, FL; ten grandchildren, Brad (Leah), Brian (Leigh), Tim, Jeff, Nicole, and Larissa Rittenhouse, Jon, Colin, and Brett Merriman and Eric Hall; five great grandchildren, Kayden, Kyliee, Ana Rose, and Beau Rittenhouse, and Ethan Hall; one niece, Marybeth Evans; two nephews, Craig and Brian Burns; and a daughter-in-law, Vicky Rittenhouse of Petersburg. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00pm - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Kirlin, Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 South 6th Street, Springfield. Visitation will start with a prayer service at 4 pm. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimers Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.